Recipes – Dr. Axehttps://draxe.com
Dr. Axe is a Certified Nutrition Specialist, expert in Natural Medicine, a speaker for Fortune 500 Companies (Nissan, Whole Foods) and a doctor of chiropractic.Thu, 24 May 2018 17:50:56 +0000en-UShourly1https://wordpress.org/?v=4.9.5Dr. Axe is a Certified Nutrition Specialist, expert in Natural Medicine, a speaker for Fortune 500 Companies (Nissan, Whole Foods) and a doctor of chiropractic.Recipes – Dr. AxeDr. Axe is a Certified Nutrition Specialist, expert in Natural Medicine, a speaker for Fortune 500 Companies (Nissan, Whole Foods) and a doctor of chiropractic.Recipes – Dr. Axehttps://draxe.com/wp-content/plugins/powerpress/rss_default.jpghttps://draxe.com
Secret Detox Drink Recipehttps://draxe.com/recipe/secret-detox-drink/
https://draxe.com/recipe/secret-detox-drink/#commentsWed, 23 May 2018 18:00:21 +0000If you are feeling weighed down and sluggish, it may be time for my secret detox drink, which can help cleanse your body and make you feel rejuvenated. For many years, I’ve added detox drinks to my health regime because they keep me feeling clear-headed and energized, even after a long and tiring week. Plus,... Read more »

]]>If you are feeling weighed down and sluggish, it may be time for my secret detox drink, which can help cleanse your body and make you feel rejuvenated. For many years, I’ve added detox drinks to my health regime because they keep me feeling clear-headed and energized, even after a long and tiring week. Plus, recipes like this one don’t require a blender or juicer, so they are simple and easily accessible.

This is a simple beverage recipe that takes only minutes to prepare and includes key ingredients for natural detoxification, including lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, ginger, cinnamon and cayenne pepper. It’s both refreshing and energizing, so give it a try today for the little boost we all need from time to time.

Why Drink the Secret Detox Drink?

Unfortunately, it’s nearly impossible to avoid the everyday chemicals that threaten your health, especially when they’re hidden in our clothing, furniture, soaps and shampoos. On top of that, we are constantly exposed to environmental pollutants, and dangerous chemicals in our foods like heavy metals, pesticides and preservatives.

In order to avoid toxic overload that will leave you feeling fatigued, moody, bloated and achey, it’s a great idea to use detox drinks to help cleanse and purify your body.

My secret detox drink contains some of the best ingredients for detoxification. Apple cider vinegar has shown to improve your metabolism and digestive function, while working to cleanse your liver and lymphatic system. (1)

Lemon juice has an alkaline effect on your body and helps to regulate your pH levels. Drinking lemon water, or adding it to your drinks and juices, can help to boost your energy levels, detoxify your body and help improve immune function. (2)

An optional ingredient for your detox drink is raw honey. I like to add raw honey to many of my health drinks and smoothies because it’s a nutrient-densenatural sweetener. It adds a little sweetness to this drink while upping the antioxidant count, too. (5)

Secret Detox Drink Nutrition Facts

One glass of my secret detox drink made using this recipe (with the honey) contains roughly the following: (6, 7, 8, 9, 10)

How to Make the Secret Detox Drink

The first step in making my secret detox drink is to warm 12 to 16 ounces of water.

Now all you have to do is add your ingredients. Start by adding 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar to your warm water.

Then stir in ½ to 1 teaspoon of ground ginger, ¼ teaspoon of cinnamon and a dash of cayenne pepper.

The last two ingredients are 2 tablespoons of lemon juice and 1 teaspoon of raw, local honey, which is optional, but will add a little sweetness to your drink.

Stir it all together, and your detox drink is ready to enjoy. I like to have it when it’s still warm, but you can drink it at any temperature.

If you are doing a full detox, I recommend drinking this detox drink three times daily about 20 minutes before meals for two weeks. If you are looking for a quick and easy way to cleanse your body and boost your energy, have this drink once a day before breakfast or lunch.

From the sound of it, you might think leaky gut only affects the digestive system,
but in reality it can affect more. Because Leaky Gut is so common, and such an enigma,
I’m offering a free webinar on all things leaky gut.
Click here to learn more about the webinar.

]]>Rich, chocolatey, decadent brownies. It’s definitely a dessert option that makes many mouths water. The only problem is — most brownies are loaded with sugar and carbs but devoid of valuable nutrients. This brownie recipe let’s you have the dessert without the guilt! These healthy black bean brownies are absolutely delicious and also packed with fiber, protein, iron and magnesium. Plus, they’re completely gluten-free.

Are Black Bean Brownies the Healthiest Brownie Option?

Black bean brownies with flour (as in all-purpose, wheat-derived flour) contain gluten and are typically high in both sugar and carbs … Not to mention, they are lower in protein and fiber compared to these black bean brownies. (1)

This recipe for gluten-free black bean brownies uses Paleo flour, which you can make yourself or buy in the store. These are also sugar-free black bean brownies as in they contain zero refined sugar like typical brownie recipes. Some people like black bean brownies with dates included as a natural sweetener, which isn’t a bad idea at all. For this recipe, I decided to use raw honey and stevia.

As you’ll see from the nutrition information below, this brownie recipe is impressively high in fiber, which can help ward off digestive complaints like constipation.

One of the drawbacks of these brownies is the fact that some people have a hard time digesting legumes like black beans. Soaking and sprouting beans can help to make them easier on the gut.

These may not be vegan black bean brownies, but to make black bean brownies vegan, you can substitute ¼ to ½ of a ripe avocado mashed for each egg in this recipe. Black bean avocado brownies are also delicious and healthy.

As another vegan option, the regular eggs can be substituted for flax eggs. The standard conversion for a regular egg to a flax egg is one tablespoon of flaxseed meal and three tablespoons of water to replace one egg.

You may be thinking, “This all sounds very healthy, but how do they taste?” Try serving these to your friends and family … With no bean taste, I bet they’ll mistake them for regular brownies — delicious gooey, chocolatey brownies.

]]>https://draxe.com/recipe/black-bean-brownies/feed/81Gluten-Free Pumpkin Bread Recipehttps://draxe.com/recipe/gluten-free-pumpkin-bread/
https://draxe.com/recipe/gluten-free-pumpkin-bread/#commentsTue, 15 May 2018 06:40:06 +0000Let’s be honest: pumpkin-flavored everything has taken over. Whether it’s pumpkin lattes, pumpkin butter or pumpkin cakes, this vegetable has exploded onto the food scene — and I love it! Is it possible that this gluten-free pumpkin bread recipe is just as good or even better than the usual classic pumpkin bread recipes? The only downside... Read more »

]]>Let’s be honest: pumpkin-flavored everything has taken over. Whether it’s pumpkin lattes, pumpkin butter or pumpkin cakes, this vegetable has exploded onto the food scene — and I love it! Is it possible that this gluten-free pumpkin bread recipe is just as good or even better than the usual classic pumpkin bread recipes?

The only downside is that many pumpkin recipes are full of flour, making them a no-no for people avoiding or unable to tolerate gluten. While you can sometimes find gluten-free versions of the same foods, they’re often packed with sugar to make up for the loss in texture. But that’s not the case at all when it comes to this easy gluten-free pumpkin bread.

With this recipe, I was determined to make a flavorful, gluten-free pumpkin bread that was moist and fluffy, which is the best part of any homemade bread. I think it’s safe to say this Paleo pumpkin bread is a success.

The Power of Pumpkin

Though pumpkin has just hit its stride in the last few years, it’s always been fantastic for your health. Its rich orange color means it’s packed with beta carotene, an antioxidant that converts to vitamin A once consumed. The vitamin helps to keep the immune system in shape, preserve vision and keep our skin looking great.

Pumpkin is also a top fiber food, making it a more satiating food choice. And it’s full of potassium, which is key to keeping our bodies hydrated and our organs working properly.

Now let’s talk about this gluten-free pumpkin bread. It’s likely you have all the ingredients already on hand. Instead of white flour, we’ll use almond flour and coconut flour. This is such an awesome flour blend because they’re both high in fiber, low in sugar and easily digested — no tummy issues with these. A lot gluten-free recipes call for xanthan gum, but you don’t even need it for this yummy pumpkin loaf.

Instead of refined sugar, we’ll sweeten this healthy pumpkin bread with maple syrup, which is lower on the glycemic scale than regular granulated sugar, so it won’t send you on a sugar crash. With coconut oil and spices rounding out the ingredients list, you can whip this gluten-free pumpkin bread up in just minutes with minimal effort.

This pumpkin bread is good for breakfast, or to serve alongside a cup of coffee or tea. You might find yourself making loaves quite frequently!

How to Make Gluten-Free Pumpkin Bread

Let’s talk about how to make this pumpkin loaf. First, you’ll want to have some helpful kitchen tools on hand, including a whisk, or fork, and a spatula. Also, make sure your oven is preheated to 325 F.

This recipe is so simple — all you basically have to do is mix the wet ingredients together, add all of the dry ingredients and mix again. Now you can pour the mixture into a greased pan, and in 60 minutes tops, your delicious gluten-free pumpkin bread will be ready for you to eat!

You can also add some gluten-free dark chocolate chips or nuts to this recipe if that sounds good to you.

Let’s get started. Preheat the oven to 325 F, then add all the wet ingredients into a bowl.

Once that’s done, pour the gluten-free pumpkin bread mixture into a greased loaf pan (I like greasing with coconut oil).

You’ll probably have to smooth down the top of your bread with a spatula before putting in the oven.

Then bake the bread for 45–60 minutes.

Let the bread cool for 10 minutes or so before slicing and serving warm.

I like to serve my bread with grass-fed butter, but it’s delicious all on its own!

From the sound of it, you might think leaky gut only affects the digestive system,
but in reality it can affect more. Because Leaky Gut is so common, and such an enigma,
I’m offering a free webinar on all things leaky gut.
Click here to learn more about the webinar.

]]>https://draxe.com/recipe/gluten-free-pumpkin-bread/feed/100Keto Fat Bomb Recipe with Cinnamon and Almond Butterhttps://draxe.com/recipe/keto-fat-bomb-recipe/
https://draxe.com/recipe/keto-fat-bomb-recipe/#commentsTue, 01 May 2018 18:00:01 +0000It’s no secret I’m a massive fan of the keto diet. Not only can it help you lose weight and reduce your risk of diseases like type 2 diabetes, but following a keto diet means a whole lot of delicious food! (1, 2) At its core, the keto diet is a low-carb, high-fat diet. That... Read more »

]]>It’s no secret I’m a massive fan of the keto diet. Not only can it help you lose weight and reduce your risk of diseases like type 2 diabetes, but following a keto diet means a whole lot of delicious food! (1, 2) At its core, the keto diet is a low-carb, high-fat diet. That means you still get to enjoy foods like full-fat coconut milk and avocado… but some people struggle with either eating more fat on a keto diet or finding quick and easy snack options (or sometimes both!). Luckily, this keto fat bomb recipe has you covered. With only four ingredients and no baking involved, these savory fat bombs will keep you satisfied.

“How Do I Eat More Fat on Keto?” Keto Fat Bomb Recipes Can Help

Most of us have spent our lives avoiding fat. Making the adjustment to not just eating fat but embracing fat can be tough. And if you’ve ever wondered, “How do I eat more fat on keto?”, keto fat bombs are key.

What is a keto, low-carb fat bomb? It’s a low-carb and low-protein — but high-fat — snack. It’s a great way to increase your fat uptake while on keto, while also quelling hunger. They’re quite similar to energy balls, but keto bombs skip the oats, grains and sweeteners that make up most of those. Instead, they’re packed with healthy fats like nut butters, grass-fed butter and other tasty, high-fat foods.

Other ways to eat more fat on a keto diet are just as simple and tasty, too. I make sure I’m purchasing full-fat dairy. Instead of sticking to chicken breast, I go for fattier cuts of meat, like chicken thighs or beef short ribs. Adding butter or your oil of choice to veggies is always nice, and nuts are great for enjoying as an on-the-go snack — like these keto fat bombs!

Do fat bombs help you lose weight? There’s no magic elixir in keto fat bombs. But when they’re incorporated into a well-balanced, healthy keto diet, fat bombs can definitely help you stick to your diet goals while appeasing a grumbling stomach.

Keto Fat Bomb Recipe Nutrition Facts

If you’re on a keto diet, you’re definitely watching those fat numbers! So what can you expect from one of these easy keto fat bombs? (3)(4)

]]>I am loving one of the recent breakfast trends: acai bowls. You’ve likely seen this Brazilian import gracing your Instagram feed, but if you haven’t eaten one yet, you’re in for a real treat. Luckily, you can easily skip buying overpriced acai bowls at cafes and make your own with this acai bowl recipe instead.

Typical Brazilian Breakfast to U.S. Trend

So what are acai bowls? Acai is actually a type of berry that’s native to Central and South America, particularly Brazil. The antioxidant-rich fruit is packed with nutritional benefits, including fiber and electrolytes. In Brazil, acai bowls are sold on the beaches and at juice bars, usually blended with guarana and topped with fruit. (1) In Brazil, Amazonian tribes like the Caboclo have been eating acai for hundreds of years, but it’s only recently that the trend has caught up to the west, and we’re lucky it has! (2)

Acai bowls are the ultimate healthy breakfast when you’re craving something a little sweet. They’re easy to make, delicious to eat and can be packed with as much goodness as you like. One of the reasons acai was slow to reach this part of the world is that the fruit doesn’t last long; Acai berries perish soon after they’re picked, making them nearly impossible to export from Brazil as a whole fruit.

Wondering where to buy acai? Instead, here in the States, you’ll likely find frozen acai berry puree in the freezer section of your local health food store and large supermarkets.

Now, there are endless combinations of acai bowl recipes and toppings, but for all of them, the acai berry puree will make up the base. The trick to the perfect acai bowl is getting the texture right. You want to be able to eat the bowl with a spoon, but you don’t want it to be too thick. Blending the puree with a combination of fruits and adding a splash of your preferred milk if necessary usually does the trick.

As for acai bowl toppings, the sky’s the limit! Of course, what you put on the bowl will affect the acai bowl calories. I’m a fan of adding some more texture to each spoonful through crunchy toppings, like cacao nibs, granola or seeds. If you’re feeling extra ambitious, you can even make your own grainless granola to put on top.

I think this acai bowl recipe has the right mix. We’ll keep the tropical theme going by mixing the acai puree with a mango or papaya and adding some fresh bananas and your favorite berry. Once it’s all blended, we’ll top things off with seeds, coconut and more fruit.

How to Make This Acai Bowl Recipe

Are you ready to get your acai bowl making on?

Start by prepping all your fruit.

You can already tell how tasty this acai bowl recipe is going to be!

Next, add all the ingredients to the blender.

Then blend on medium-high until the mixture is thick and creamy.

Divide the mixture into two to three bowls and top with your favorite toppings.

]]>https://draxe.com/recipe/acai-bowl-recipe/feed/2Thai Iced Tea Recipehttps://draxe.com/recipe/thai-iced-tea-recipe/
https://draxe.com/recipe/thai-iced-tea-recipe/#commentsTue, 24 Apr 2018 18:00:50 +0000Have you ever tried Thai iced tea? It’s like chai tea in that both beverages are made with black tea and spices like clove and cardamom, but Thai tea has a unique orange color and a creamy base, which I get from using coconut milk. Do you know there are many black tea benefits? In... Read more »

]]>Have you ever tried Thai iced tea? It’s like chai tea in that both beverages are made with black tea and spices like clove and cardamom, but Thai tea has a unique orange color and a creamy base, which I get from using coconut milk.

Do you know there are many black tea benefits? In many Asian countries, black tea is consumed daily, in both hot and cold forms. My Thai iced tea, which is made with black tea, orange blossom tea, antioxidant spices and coconut milk, is good for you because it contains healthy fats, can give you energy and may even help to reduce inflammation. (1) Plus, it’s super satisfying and can serve as a nice treat or pick-me-up after a long day.

Tradition of Thai Iced Tea

In Thailand, Thai iced tea is often served at coffee shops, street carts and restaurants. Traditionally, the tea is made with black tea, condensed milk and crushed ice. Sometimes it’s spiced with star anise, which has a sweet, licorice-like flavor, and orange blossom water, but over the years, Thai iced tea recipes have been influenced by Western culture and have begun to incorporate sweeteners and even food coloring to give it that vibrant orange color that consumers have come to expect.

In my Thai iced tea recipe, I’m taking it back to the traditional way of preparing the beverage, in that it’s made with natural ingredients and no artificial sweeteners. I also added my own little twist by using coconut milk as the creamer instead of condensed milk. Why? Because coconut milk is loaded with healthy fats, like lauric acid, and it’s a great option for anyone who suffers from food allergy symptoms, as it’s free from daily, soy, nuts and grains. Plus, coconut milk has a delicious, creamy and rich flavor that goes perfectly with the spices used to make Thai iced tea.

In addition to the black tea and coconut milk used in this recipe, I also use star anise, whole cloves, cardamom, vanilla extract and orange blossom tea (or orange zest).

It’s actually the star anise and cloves that give Thai iced tea its signature orange color, although commercial and Westernized versions of the tea are made with artificial food coloring. This more natural recipe goes back to the traditional way of preparing the beverage. If you want your tea to be a more vibrant orange, try adding a tablespoon of cold-pressed carrot juice to each cup.

When it comes to the amount of caffeine in Thai iced tea, the number varies. The caffeine content of black tea is considered moderate, with about 42 milligrams of caffeine in eight ounces. If you use caffeinated orange blossom tea bags to make your tea, you’re adding more caffeine. But you can find both black tea and orange blossom tea in decaffeinated forms if you’re concerned about having too much caffeine.

I know you are going to love this Thai iced tea recipe because it’s rich in flavor and will give you a nice pick-me-up too. Plus, it only takes about 15 minutes to prepare. So give it a try and let me know what you think!

Thai Iced Tea Nutrition Facts

One serving of my Thai iced tea made using this recipe contains roughly the following: (2, 3, 4, 5)

]]>https://draxe.com/recipe/thai-iced-tea-recipe/feed/1Sweet & Savory Grape Jelly Meatballs (Slow Cooker Recipe)https://draxe.com/recipe/grape-jelly-meatballs-slow-cooker-recipe/
https://draxe.com/recipe/grape-jelly-meatballs-slow-cooker-recipe/#commentsThu, 19 Apr 2018 18:00:27 +0000Meatballs with grape jelly. Does that sound good to you? Have you ever tried grape jelly meatballs? It’s actually a very popular appetizer, but this recipe is going to be much healthier than most thanks to carefully chosen ingredients, including grass-fed beef and homemade barbecue sauce. If you’re looking for the perfect sweet and savory recipe... Read more »

]]>Meatballs with grape jelly. Does that sound good to you? Have you ever tried grape jelly meatballs? It’s actually a very popular appetizer, but this recipe is going to be much healthier than most thanks to carefully chosen ingredients, including grass-fed beef and homemade barbecue sauce.

If you’re looking for the perfect sweet and savory recipe for your next party or get-together, look no further than these incredible grape jelly meatballs. I know it may sound like a strange combo, but meatballs with grape jelly are actually really delicious and very satisfying. This recipe is definitely a must-try!

The Perfect No-Fuss Appetizer

Grape jelly meatballs are a perfect choice if you’re looking for an appetizer that doesn’t require a lot of time or effort. Once the meatballs are made, you simply toss them in the slow cooker with the jelly and barbecue sauce. Then you can sit back and relax (or get some things done) while they cook for several hours.

These grape jelly meatballs are uniquely rich and flavorful with ground grass-fed beef, lamb and bison. Add in some raw smoked goat cheese, fresh herbs, eggs and cassava flour and you have yourself some truly impressive meatballs that are totally gluten-free and delicious.

To ensure this grape jelly meatball recipe is a healthier take on the usual recipe, make sure to opt for a jelly that is organic (important since grapes make the Dirty Dozen list) and has under 10 grams of sugar per serving (with no added sugar!).

Like jellies, barbecue sauces are often loaded with sugar too, but if you use my homemade sweet and tangy barbecue sauce recipe, you’ll ensure the sugar content per serving is much lower than the majority of store-bought versions.

Another take on this recipe is chili sauce and grape jelly meatballs. So instead of barbecue sauce, you could add some spicy chili sauce if you’re looking to up the heat factor.

How to Make Grape Jelly Meatballs

To make this meatball recipe with grape jelly and barbecue sauce, it’s truly as simple as making the meatballs, putting them into the slow cooker and adding the two sauce ingredients. That’s it! Then you just need to allow for some low and slow cooking time, which results in some super flavorful meatballs.

This recipe is for grape jelly meatballs with my homemade tangy barbecue sauce. As I mentioned earlier, another popular and more spicy option to consider is meatballs with grape jelly and chili sauce.

]]>https://draxe.com/recipe/grape-jelly-meatballs-slow-cooker-recipe/feed/1Paleo Substitute for Worcestershire Saucehttps://draxe.com/recipe/paleo-substitute-for-worcestershire-sauce/
https://draxe.com/recipe/paleo-substitute-for-worcestershire-sauce/#respondTue, 17 Apr 2018 17:58:17 +0000If you’ve ever cooked with beef before, it’s likely that you have a bottle of Worcestershire sauce hanging around in the pantry somewhere. In fact, the condiment has quite a few uses that you might not have considered before. But while the sauce can add a lot of flavor to dishes, I steer clear of... Read more »

]]>If you’ve ever cooked with beef before, it’s likely that you have a bottle of Worcestershire sauce hanging around in the pantry somewhere. In fact, the condiment has quite a few uses that you might not have considered before. But while the sauce can add a lot of flavor to dishes, I steer clear of using conventional store-bought Worcestershire sauce. Instead, I make my own homemade substitute for Worcestershire sauce. Here’s why I do it — and how you can make it, too.

Why I Don’t Use Conventional Worcestershire Sauce

Many times, we don’t give too much thought about what goes into the condiments, sauces and other ingredients we use in our cooking. But it’s really important to check out the ingredients lists of these items — a lot of times, you’re getting a whole lot more than you bargained for!

Take Worcestershire sauce, for example. This strong-smelling condiment is great for beef marinades, gravy recipes (like in this shepherd’s pie recipe) and more … But the ingredients of most Worcestershire sauces sold in stores aren’t something you’d eat otherwise.

Many brands contain high fructose corn syrup, for one. This highly processed sweetener has been linked to diabetes and high blood pressure. (1, 2) It can also contribute to leaky gut syndrome. And that’s just one ingredient! No thanks.

Other brands contain soy sauce, cane sugar or corn starch — or worse, all three. Not all Worcestershire sauces are created equal, and the ingredients vary greatly from one brand to another.

I don’t know about you, but I like having more control over what I’m putting into my body. And when conventional Worcestershire sauces include various troubling ingredients, I prefer to make my own.

Homemade Worcestershire Sauce Nutrition Facts

So if you’ve been wondering, “What can you substitute for Worcestershire sauce?,” I’ve got the recipe for you! You can whip this up in just five minutes with no special equipment or ingredients. Don’t worry about using it all at once, either. Made with Dijon mustard, coconut aminos, apple cider vinegar and seasonings, this homemade Worcestershire sauce will keep for up to one month in the refrigerator.

Here’s what you’ll get in a serving of this substitute for Worcestershire sauce (based on 1 tablespoon):

8 calories

0.23 grams protein

0.07 grams fat

1.73 grams carbohydrates

1.05 grams sugar

122 milligrams sodium (8 percent DV)

4.8 milligrams vitamin C (6 percent DV)

How to Make This Substitute for Worcestershire Sauce

Ready to whip up this substitute for Worcestershire sauce? Here’s what to do …

Add all of the ingredients to a large bowl.

Whisk everything up until the Worcestershire sauce is well-combined. No lumps here!

That’s all! Use in your favorite recipes to add a little extra flavor.

Pour any unused Worcestershire sauce into an airtight container. This will keep in the fridge for up to one month.

]]>https://draxe.com/recipe/paleo-substitute-for-worcestershire-sauce/feed/0Easy Margherita Pizza Recipe (for Those Busy Weeknights)https://draxe.com/recipe/easy-margherita-pizza-recipe/
https://draxe.com/recipe/easy-margherita-pizza-recipe/#commentsThu, 12 Apr 2018 18:46:41 +0000I love pizza night. It’s an easy and filling dinner, but some people refrain from eating pizza because it typically contains a lot of calories without many nutrients. Well, when you prepare pizza at home and use my flatbread pizza crust recipe, you don’t have to feel guilty about turning to this comforting classic. I... Read more »

]]>I love pizza night. It’s an easy and filling dinner, but some people refrain from eating pizza because it typically contains a lot of calories without many nutrients. Well, when you prepare pizza at home and use my flatbread pizza crust recipe, you don’t have to feel guilty about turning to this comforting classic.

I experiment with pizza toppings all the time — from my Florentine pizza recipe to my pizza casserole. But I also like to prepare the traditional styles you can find at any local pizza shop. My Margherita pizza recipe is super easy and completely gluten-free. Plus, it’s made with fresh ingredients that will fill you with nutrients and curb your appetite.

Why Is it a Margherita Pizza?

Many of us are familiar with Margherita pizza but don’t know where this style of pizza got its name. As the story goes, although the real origins of this pizza aren’t completely clear, around 1890 an Italian pizza chef called his dish “pizza Margherita” in honor of the Queen of Italy, named Margherita of Savory. The pizza was supposed to represent Italian unification, which is why the toppings used are red, white and green — the colors of the Italian flag.

In an effort to make my version of Margherita pizza as healthy as possible, I switched a few things up — mainly by using a gluten-free crust. My flatbread pizza crust is made withgluten-free flours, including arrowroot starch and coconut flour. I also addgrass-fed butter, coconut milk, raw garlic and egg. What you get is a crispy base for your favorite pizza toppings.

I love Margherita pizza because it’s a simple classic that packs a lot of flavor. The combination of grape tomatoes, minced raw garlic, buffalo mozzarella and basil is fulfilling and downright tasty. Plus, the mix of textures, with the crunch of the dough and creaminess of the mozzarella, is really what makes flatbread pizzas so desirable.

Margherita Pizza Recipe Nutrition Facts

One serving of my Margherita pizza (including the crust) made using this recipe contains roughly the following: (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6)

How to Make This Margherita Pizza Recipe

To prepare this Margherita pizza recipe, you first need to make your flatbread pizza crust. If you’re in a hurry and need a quicker option, I suggest using Simple Mills Pizza Dough Mix, which is another gluten-free option.

]]>https://draxe.com/recipe/easy-margherita-pizza-recipe/feed/3Soft, Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipehttps://draxe.com/recipe/soft-chewy-chocolate-chip-cookies-recipe/
https://draxe.com/recipe/soft-chewy-chocolate-chip-cookies-recipe/#respondTue, 10 Apr 2018 19:33:49 +0000Are you ready for a chewy chocolate chip cookies recipe that is out of this world delicious yet also gluten-free and healthier than most chocolate chip cookie recipes? I think I just heard you say, “Yes!” Don’t worry, it won’t take long to make these dark chocolate delights a reality; These soft and chewy chocolate chip cookies... Read more »

]]>Are you ready for a chewy chocolate chip cookies recipe that is out of this world delicious yet also gluten-free and healthier than most chocolate chip cookie recipes? I think I just heard you say, “Yes!”

Don’t worry, it won’t take long to make these dark chocolate delights a reality; These soft and chewy chocolate chip cookies can be made in just 30 minutes.

The Perfect Cookie Texture

What makes a chewy chocolate chip cookie? How do you make cookies soft and chewy? How do you make cookies chewy not cakey? How can you make a hard cookie soft? These are just some of the many questions people ask when on their quest to create the perfect cookie texture.

Of course, the perfect texture is a matter of personal opinion, but let’s talk about some of the ways to create your ideal cookie results. Think of this as a mini baking lesson.

If your end goal is to make your homemade cookies…

Thicker: There are a few things that can help to make cookies thicker as well as softer. First, combine a higher temperature with a shorter baking time to create thicker as well as softer cookies. Creating round dough balls (rather than flat) also helps bakers to obtain softer, thicker cookies. (1)

Thinner: Adding more sugar typically makes cookies thinner, but skip the refined sugar and opt for a healthier option like the coconut sugar used in this recipe. Of course, I always recommend adding as little of any sugar as possible. Another thing that helps to create thinner cookies is to flatten the cookie dough balls before they go into the oven.

Fluffier: If fluffy is your goal, opt for baking powder in place of baking soda in a recipe. Both contribute to fluffiness, but baking powder trumps baking soda here. Keep in mind that a quarter teaspoon of baking soda is equivalent to one teaspoon of baking powder. Both baking soda and baking powder also contribute to a lighter colored cookie in the end.

Softer/Chewier: Including a melted fat like butter or coconut oil makes for wetter batter, and it also generates more holes in the dough that are smaller which results in a softer, chewier cookie texture.

Cakier: For a cakey texture, keep the fatty ingredient (like butter or coconut oil) cold because this will result in a cookie with larger holes and hence a cakier texture. (2)

What if you end up with hard cookies and you really didn’t want them to be hard? You can try putting the cookies into an airtight container and add several slices of a water-rich fruit such as a fresh apple. Wait a few hours … In theory, the cookies will soak up the moisture from the apples and be a bit softer. If all tricks fail, I’ve never met a hard cookie that a glass of milk didn’t soften.

How to Make Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies

There are so many chocolate chip cookie recipes out there, but after you try this one, you just might consider it the best chewy chocolate chip cookie recipe ever. I’m happy to say that you can actually use healthier ingredients, ditch the gluten-heavy flour and still create incredible cookies.

How to make chewy chocolate chip cookies starts out with combining the wetter ingredients. Next, you add the dry ingredients into the mix. Don’t forget you can also make the Paleo flour blend yourself (recipe linked in ingredients list)! Now it’s time for the delicious dark chocolate chips to get folded in.

At this point, you have your final cookie dough, and you can form it into balls before putting them onto your baking sheet.

Let’s get started on making these. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

]]>https://draxe.com/recipe/soft-chewy-chocolate-chip-cookies-recipe/feed/0Moo Shu Chicken Lettuce Wrapshttps://draxe.com/recipe/moo-shu-chicken/
https://draxe.com/recipe/moo-shu-chicken/#commentsThu, 05 Apr 2018 20:12:45 +0000When you get that craving for comfort food, how often do you consider ordering takeout Chinese? Yep — it can be a guilty pleasure on those nights you really don’t feel like cooking. But I promise you, my moo shu chicken recipe is very easy to prepare, taking about the same amount of time you’d be... Read more »

]]>When you get that craving for comfort food, how often do you consider ordering takeout Chinese? Yep — it can be a guilty pleasure on those nights you really don’t feel like cooking. But I promise you, my moo shu chicken recipe is very easy to prepare, taking about the same amount of time you’d be waiting for your food to be ready at a restaurant, and it’s a much, much healthier option.

For this recipe, I use an array of veggies, anti-inflammatory foods like garlic and ginger and organic chicken. Plus, like my fish taco recipe, I use lettuce wraps instead of turning to flour tortillas that are typically used to make moo shu chicken. Not only is my moo shu chicken recipe gluten-free, it’s also Paleo- and keto-friendly. No guilt here!

What is Moo Shu Chicken?

Moo shu chicken originated in Northern China, where it was prepared as a stir-fry dish made with chopped chicken (or pork) and Chinese cabbage. There are a number of variations out there, but moo shu chicken is also commonly made with scallions, mushrooms and scrambled eggs, too.

Traditionally, moo shu chicken would be served with rice, but in America, it’s often served on wraps made with flour that are called “moo shu (or mandarin) pancakes,” and then it’s eaten like a taco.

For my moo shu chicken recipe, I use a combination of veggies, including red cabbage, green cabbage, green onions and mushrooms. I also include garlic and ginger for flavor, plus carrots and sprouts for garnishing. These veggies give you that perfect crunch when you bite into the moo shu chicken wrap. And in an effort to keep this recipe gluten-free and keto diet-friendly, which is how I prefer to eat, I use butter lettuce as wraps.

One of the staple ingredients in moo shu chicken is cabbage. Do you know that red cabbageis loaded with antioxidants, and it contains more vitamin C than oranges? Mushrooms are also commonly used in moo shu chicken recipes, and I love using mushrooms in my cooking because they help to reduce inflammation.

And for my moo shu chicken recipe, I avoid using vegetable oil and soy sauce. Instead, I use avocado oil for cooking and a combination of sesame oil and coconut aminos to add flavor.

Moo Shu Chicken Nutrition Facts

One serving of moo shu chicken made using this recipe contains roughly the following: (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6)

Just combine these ingredients in a medium-sized bowl and set it aside.

Next, it’s time to start chopping. You’ll need to slice one-fourth of a green cabbage …

and one-fourth of a red cabbage.

Then chop ½ cup of mushrooms and slice ¼ cup of green onions.

Next, take out a large pan and over medium heat, combine 2 tablespoons of avocado oil, your chopped green onions and your chopped mushrooms. Sauté these veggies for about 5 minutes until they become soft.

Then add in your chicken that’s been marinating. You’re going to let it brown in the sauce pan, which should take about 8 minutes.

Once your chicken has browned, add in your sliced cabbage and reduce the heat to low. Cover your pan and let everything simmer for about 10 minutes, until the cabbage becomes soft. Just stir the ingredients occasionally so everything is cooked evenly.

That took no time at all, right? Your moo shu chicken is done. Now just divide it up into your butter lettuce wraps …

]]>How do you make beef stew from scratch? It’s actually not as hard as you might think, especially if you’re using this beef stew slow cooker recipe. With delicious and nutrient-rich ingredients like grass-fed beef, carrots, parsnips and hearty beef broth, this just may be the best beef stew recipe you’ve ever tasted!

Unlike stove top beef stew recipes, you don’t have to worry about watching or stirring with this easy version of a classic recipe. This recipe for beef stew only takes about five minutes to physically make, and the rest is just effortless cooking time.

Get ready to create one of the tastiest beef stew recipes around!

The Ultimate Winter Comfort Food

Homemade beef stew recipes provide a comforting mix of flavors, textures and warmth that can’t be beat, especially in the colder months of the year. Many people are looking for an old-fashioned beef stew recipe to experience that same goodness they loved eating as kids.

How do you make old-fashioned beef stew? It’s really not very different from this beef stew recipe at all. An old-fashioned beef stew meat recipe typically contains potatoes, but I’m using parsnips here instead because of their notable nutrition as well as their distinct earthy flavor that pairs so well with beef.

Unlike old-fashioned beef stew recipes, I’m also leaving out the unhealthy refined vegetable oil and using avocado oil instead. I’m also keeping this recipe completely gluten-free by using arrowroot starch rather than wheat flour.

Are you wondering, “How do you make beef stew on the stove?” You could use the same ingredients listed here, but you would have to brown the meat and the onion, combine all of the ingredients in a large pot, bring it to a boil, reduce the heat to low and then let it simmer for two hours, stirring every so often.

But if you want a quicker, easier recipe, stick with the directions I’ve laid out here.

Beef Stew Recipe Nutrition Facts

Is beef stew good for you? One of the best ways to answer this questions is to show you its impressive nutritional content. One serving of this easy beef stew recipe contains about: (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18)

How to Make This Beef Stew Recipe

How do you make homemade beef stew? It’s truly a 1-2-3 process with this recipe. You cut up the vegetables, combine all the ingredients in a slow cooker and then let it cook for hours. Yes, that’s it! As you may have guessed, this low and long cooking time results in a incredibly flavorful stew that is perfect for lunch or dinner.

A too thin or too thick beef stew recipe misses the mark, but I think you’ll find that this upgraded yet perfectly basic beef stew recipe has a consistency that is just right. If you have the time, don’t forget about my beef broth recipe so you can make this recipe even more homemade.

Ok, let’s get started!

First, you’ll need to get your veggies sliced and diced.

Now you have the mushrooms, onions, parsnips and carrots cut up and ready to go into the pot.

Add the chunks of beef to the slow cooker and then begin adding the vegetables.

Add in all of the remaining ingredients, including the flavor-boosting spices.

]]>https://draxe.com/recipe/beef-stew-recipe/feed/2Baked Chile Relleno Casserole Recipehttps://draxe.com/recipe/chile-relleno-casserole/
https://draxe.com/recipe/chile-relleno-casserole/#commentsThu, 29 Mar 2018 18:00:56 +0000I’m a huge fan of Tex-Mex foods. But usually, heavy carbs make up the base of these recipes. Fajitas, enchiladas and tacos all rely on tortillas. That’s why this chile relleno casserole recipe is so special. Not only is it packed with the seasonings and ingredients you love ­— yes, including cheese! — but it’s keto-friendly... Read more »

I’m a huge fan of Tex-Mex foods. But usually, heavy carbs make up the base of these recipes. Fajitas, enchiladas and tacos all rely on tortillas. That’s why this chile relleno casserole recipe is so special. Not only is it packed with the seasonings and ingredients you love ­— yes, including cheese! — but it’s keto-friendly and delicious.

What Is Chile Relleno?

Chile relleno, or “stuffed chile,” is a Mexican recipe originating from the city of Puebla; This is where poblano peppers, the type of peppers we’ll use in this recipe, get their name. (1) Traditionally, the poblano peppers are roasted and then filled with a cheese and meat filling. Next, they’re dipped in an egg batter and deep fried, then smothered in sauce. They’re enjoyed throughout the year, which is no surprise considering how tasty they are. In this recipe, I’ve kept the best parts of the classic recipe and given it little twist by turning this dish into a chile relleno casserole!

We’ll broil the spicy poblano peppers to get that charred look and flavor you’d get if roasting over a grill, but instead of stuffing the peppers, which can get messy, we’ll chop the peppers up, tossing them with some other epic ingredients, like beef bacon, cheese, cauliflower rice, mushrooms, tomato sauce and avocado.

If you’re following a keto diet, this version of chile relleno is definitely a keto-friendly recipe you want up your sleeve. With two types of cheeses and avocado, this chile relleno casserole is packed with healthy fats to help keep you in ketosis. To adhere to a high-fat, low-carb lifestyle, we’ll skip the white rice that’s common in Mexican cooking and replace it with cauliflower rice to keep the texture and taste without extra carbs.

Chile Relleno Casserole Nutrition Facts

What kind of nutrition are you getting in this chile relleno recipe anyway? Here’s what you can expect from one serving:

How to Make a Chile Relleno Casserole

So how do you make this Mexican-inspired chile relleno casserole?

Start by turning on your oven to the high broil setting. This is how we’ll “roast” our peppers.

Slice the stems off the poblano peppers and discard. Then slice each pepper in half to remove the seeds and veins of the peppers. Poblano peppers aren’t super spicy, especially once they’re roasted, but they do have a little kick to them. If your family prefers really mild foods, you can substitute bell peppers for the poblanos, but you’d be missing out!

Place the peppers on a baking sheet. You want the insides of the peppers facing down here. Broil for 10 minutes, or until the peppers are nice and charred. Don’t turn the oven off just yet, though … Preheat it to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

Once the peppers have cooled off, chop them up.

Place the peppers, along with all of the remaining ingredients, except the Pecorino and garnishes, into a large bowl.

]]>https://draxe.com/recipe/chile-relleno-casserole/feed/4The Green Beastie Smoothiehttps://draxe.com/recipe/green-beastie-smoothie/
https://draxe.com/recipe/green-beastie-smoothie/#commentsWed, 28 Mar 2018 03:12:27 +0000by Phil Gorman of Smoothfuel.com Long gone are the days when green smoothies were a delicacy for the super health-conscious. Now, even burger and pizza lovers know the benefit of getting a nutrient-packed dose of blended fruits and veggies during the day, and in addition to the smoothie bars that populate nearly every corner in... Read more »

Long gone are the days when green smoothies were a delicacy for the super health-conscious. Now, even burger and pizza lovers know the benefit of getting a nutrient-packed dose of blended fruits and veggies during the day, and in addition to the smoothie bars that populate nearly every corner in America, more and more people are mixing up their favorite blends right at home.

The ingredients in the Green Beastie have been specifically chosen to provide a substantial amount of important vitamins and minerals, and it also contains a considerable amount of antioxidants and polyphenols. The best part? The Green Beastie is also refreshingly delicious.

The Ingredients

How to Make the Green Beastie Smoothie

Like the best of smoothies, the Green Beastie is super easy to make. Simply add all of the ingredients to your blender of choice and process until smooth (the amount of time necessary will vary depending on the blender you use).

A couple notes: Be sure to wash the spinach before blending in order to avoid any potential contaminants. Better yet, buy organic and just give it a quick rinse to leave some of the beneficial microbes from the soil intact.

As you blend, you’ll notice that the avocado and mango give the smoothie a rich thickness and form a mousse-like texture. If you want a thinner result, feel free to add more water or swap the water for your favorite milk or milk substitute. I personally really enjoy this smoothie with coconut milk.

Nutritional Breakdown

This smoothie has a total of 360 calories. The avocado provides around 18 grams of healthy mono- and polyunsaturated fats and is a fantastic source of fiber. This is important because fiber is an essential macronutrient that helps regulate blood sugar and keep your digestive system healthy. The majority of us do not eat enough fiber, but this smoothie will get you well on your way to meeting your daily fiber needs.

The Green Beastie is also high in vitamin K(233 percent of your RDI) and vitamin C (97 percent of your RDI). Vitamin K helps the body in numerous ways, including supporting heart health, improving bone density, improving brain function, maintaining teeth and gums and more. Meanwhile, vitamin C is necessary for the growth, development and repair of all body tissues.

Additionally, this smoothie is high in the iron (41 percent of your RDI) that is vital for muscle health and the transportation of oxygen throughout the body. In fact, a deficiency of iron can cause you to become tired and fatigued.

The last highlight of this smoothie is its polyphenol and antioxidant content, courtesy of the cocoa powder and spirulina it contains. Cocoa powder has one of the highest concentrations of polyphenols of all foods, with around 3.5 grams per 100 grams. Polyphenols and antioxidants, among other things, help the body deal with oxidative stress.

Here is a full breakdown of the vitamins and minerals in The Green Beastie based on the quantity stated in the recipe. Data has been obtained from the USDA database.

280 micrograms vitamin K (233 percent DV)

87 milligrams vitamin C (97 percent DV)

289.3 micrograms folate (72 percent DV)

0.7 milligrams vitamin B6 (45 percent DV)

3.2 milligrams iron (41 percent DV)

332 micrograms vitamin A (37 percent DV)

6 milligrams vitamin E (37 percent DV)

125 milligrams magnesium (31 percent DV)

1,357 milligrams potassium (29 percent DV)

4.2 milligrams niacin (26 percent DV)

0.4 milligrams riboflavin (25 percent DV)

162 milligrams phosphorus (16 percent DV)

0.2 milligrams thiamin (16 percent DV)

1.7 milligrams zinc (12 percent DV)

92 milligrams calcium (9 percent DV)

A lifelong passion for nutrition lead to the creation of smoothfuel.com. I do my very best to take scientific information about nutrition and incorporate that knowledge into each and every recipe that I create.

]]>If you’re already a matcha green tea latte fan, make room for this amazing moringa tea latte recipe with creamy cashew milk, coconut oil and just a touch of maple syrup. But before we get to this delicious moringa tea leaf recipe, let’s look at possible moringa benefits as well as moringa tea side effects.

What Are the Benefits of Moringa Tea?

The many benefits of moringa tea are are impressive to say the least; This is a superfood that is gaining in popularity for good reason! Moringa is known to be used medicinally for a number of health concerns including anemia, asthma, digestive troubles, headaches and joint pain. It’s also used as a remedy for swelling and a variety of infections including bacterial, fungal and viral types. (1)

Moringa tea comes from the Moringa oleifera tree also known as the “horseradish tree” or “drumstick tree.” It’s a small deciduous tree with clusters of white flowers and it is native to tropical Asia. It takes roughly seven pounds of moringa leaves to make just one pound of dried powder. (2)

Moringa tea is naturally low in calories and has zero sugar content. In terms of vitamins and minerals, it’s exceptionally high in vitamin A. Just one tablespoon of moringa powder provides 75 percent of most people’s daily vitamin A needs! (3, 4) It also contains notable amounts of other really key nutrients like iron and calcium.

The most nutrient-dense versions of moringa leaf tea or moringa powder are organic and have been dried slowly under low temperatures (this helps to maintain delicate beneficial compounds). This recipe is for a moringa tea latte, but you can also purchase moringa tea bags and simply add hot water to create a quick Moringa oleifera tea.

What Are the Side Effects of Taking Moringa?

Can I drink moringa tea everyday? What are the side effects of taking moringa tea? Since moringa is a newer “superfood,” people have questions like these about moringa — and they are good ones!

It’s best to start off with a half teaspoon to one teaspoon of moringa per day to avoid unwanted side effects. This recipe contains about three quarters of a teaspoon per serving, so it’s a good place to start for most people.

Moringa can have laxative effects and cause an upset stomach in high doses or when used too frequently, which is why most consumers choose to include it in their diet every several days rather than every single day to avoid these possible moringa side effects.

As you can see, this moringa tea latte has a lot of nutrients — many of which are thanks to the moringa powder, but some of them are also coming from the delicious cashew milk.

How to Make Moringa Tea

How do you prepare moringa tea? Making moringa tea can’t really get any easier and tastier than this recipe. You simply combine and heat up four ingredients: moringa leaf powder, coconut oil, maple syrup and cashew milk. Then you blend them until frothy and enjoy a tasty moringa tea latte. This recipe is for two people or two servings, but simply cut the ingredient amounts in half to make it for one.

In a small pot over medium heat, combine all four ingredients.

Whisk thoroughly until everything is well-combined, especially the moringa powder.

Bring it to just under a boil and then remove from heat. Pour mixture into a blender and blend until frothy and smooth.

]]>https://draxe.com/recipe/moringa-tea/feed/1Cajun Blackened Chicken Recipehttps://draxe.com/recipe/blackened-chicken/
https://draxe.com/recipe/blackened-chicken/#commentsThu, 22 Mar 2018 20:53:36 +0000I’m always looking for new ways to prepare chicken. While I love more exotic recipes like my chicken tikka masala, sometimes you need a chicken recipe that’s more than just plain grilled chicken, but that doesn’t require tons of time. On those evenings, I turn to this blackened chicken recipe. Ready in under 30 minutes,... Read more »

]]>I’m always looking for new ways to prepare chicken. While I love more exotic recipes like my chicken tikka masala, sometimes you need a chicken recipe that’s more than just plain grilled chicken, but that doesn’t require tons of time. On those evenings, I turn to this blackened chicken recipe.

Ready in under 30 minutes, blackened chicken is a recipe you can whip up in minutes with ingredients already in the pantry. Best of all, the whole family will enjoy it.

What Is Blackened Chicken?

Let’s clear up some confusion first. Is blackened chicken burnt? No! Blackened chicken is just chicken that’s been coated in seasonings and pan-fried. Some people might know it better as Cajun chicken. The spices used in blackened chicken give the breast a nice darkened crust that’s absolutely packed with flavor.

In fact, that’s what makes blackened chicken so special. With seasonings like garlic powder, oregano, smoked paprika and cayenne, you get a chicken breast that’s bursting with Cajun spice in each bite. It gives food made on the stovetop a smoky taste, like you’d get on the grill, without all the hassle and cleanup.

Blackened chicken is incredibly versatile. Seriously, I love using it in a variety of ways.

The possibilities are endless! In fact, you may want to double, triple or even quadruple this recipe, and use the chicken throughout the week, lightening your cooking load during those busy weeknights.

Blackened Chicken Nutrition Facts

Here’s what a serving of blackened chicken looks like nutritionally (1)(2):

]]>https://draxe.com/recipe/blackened-chicken/feed/2Gluten-Free Stromboli Recipe with Chicken and Beef Baconhttps://draxe.com/recipe/stromboli-recipe/
https://draxe.com/recipe/stromboli-recipe/#commentsTue, 20 Mar 2018 18:00:15 +0000With tender chicken, beef bacon and buffalo mozzarella cheese, this stromboli recipe is chock full of flavor, not to mention protein. Like my tomato basil calzone recipe, I’m using a sweet potato dough for this homemade stromboli, but don’t worry because how to make dough from scratch doesn’t get any easier than this recipe. Plus, this dough... Read more »

]]>With tender chicken, beef bacon and buffalo mozzarella cheese, this stromboli recipe is chock full of flavor, not to mention protein. Like my tomato basil calzone recipe, I’m using a sweet potato dough for this homemade stromboli, but don’t worry because how to make dough from scratch doesn’t get any easier than this recipe. Plus, this dough is nutrient-dense, delicious and gluten-free!

Most stromboli recipes are not gluten-free, so this recipe is a special twist on how to make a stromboli rich and delicious — minus the wheat and gluten. Once you know how to make stromboli, you’ll likely keep this recipe on hand for many lunches and dinners to come.

What is Stromboli?

Depending on the interior stromboli ingredients, you can find stromboli in a variety of flavors, such as meatball stromboli, chicken and broccoli stromboli or steak and cheese stromboli. So what is a stromboli exactly? Stromboli is basically like a piece of pizza rolled up and baked. It consists of dough, cheese (usually mozzarella), meat and/or vegetables. It can also have tomato sauce inside. The dough is usually pizza dough or Italian bread dough.

Strombolis and calzones are very similar, but a key difference is in their shapes; Calzones are a crescent-shaped pocket, while strombolis are long, rolled-up cylinders. Both strombolis and calzones have Italian roots. Some say that stromboli gets its name from Stromboli Island, which is located off the shore of northeastern Sicily. This island is known to attract visitors not for its stromboli but for its active volcano, beaches and pleasant climate. (1)

How to Make Stromboli

If you’ve eaten enough Italian-American food in your life to qualify as a stromboli food critic, I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised to see how delicious gluten-free stromboli can be! Making homemade stromboli isn’t hard either. While your oven is preheating, you can create your stromboli dough by mixing the sweet potato, cassava flour, arrowroot flour, tapioca flour, water, avocado oil and sea salt.

Next, you’ll layer your delicious stromboli ingredients inside the dough, including the cooked chicken, beef bacon and mozzarella cheese. Then you’ll use parchment paper to help you roll the stromboli before it goes into the oven for a quick 15 minutes of baking time. Take it out of the oven so you can brush it with a flavorful mixture of grass-fed butter, raw garlic and sesame seeds and then just give it five more minutes in the oven.

I highly recommend making my avocado ranch dressing recipe to pair with this stromboli recipe. This creamy dressing loaded with fresh herbs, spices, roasted garlic and avocados is the perfect mouth-watering accompaniment to the stromboli you’re about to make. Some sautéed kale or a salad go great with this stromboli recipe too.

]]>https://draxe.com/recipe/stromboli-recipe/feed/2Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserolehttps://draxe.com/recipe/chicken-and-rice-casserole/
https://draxe.com/recipe/chicken-and-rice-casserole/#respondThu, 15 Mar 2018 20:07:57 +0000I think you’ll find that not only is this chicken and rice casserole recipe super tasty and comforting, it’s also energizing, filling and gentle on your stomach. The week nights can get very busy, and we often find ourselves rushing to make dinner choices that are quick, easy and inexpensive. When you need to throw... Read more »

]]>I think you’ll find that not only is this chicken and rice casserole recipe super tasty and comforting, it’s also energizing, filling and gentle on your stomach.

The week nights can get very busy, and we often find ourselves rushing to make dinner choices that are quick, easy and inexpensive. When you need to throw a bunch of ingredients in a pot and call it a day, there’s nothing better than slow cooker recipes and casseroles.

Unlike most casserole recipesthat are made with refined carbohydrates and other processed ingredients that can be hard on your digestive system, my chicken and rice casserole is made with gluten-free wild rice, chicken thighs, mushrooms, kale and goat cheese. It’s also made with a tasty roux that’s made with arrowroot, one of my go-to gluten-free flours, and goat milk.

The Healthiest Rice Option

When you roam through the rice options at the grocery store, you may be a bit confused about all of the options. There’s white rice, brown rice, black rice, wild rice, jasmine rice — the list goes on. Do you need some help choosing the healthiest rice options for your home cooking? Well, I’ve got you covered.

One of the healthiest rice options out there is wild rice. Did you know that wild rice is actually a grass and not a grain? It’s a semi-aquatic grass that grows naturally in waterways throughout the United States. It’s completely gluten-free and rich in antioxidants.

Wild rice has a nutty flavor and texture, so it really adds depth to a recipe. Plus, you may notice that after eating a meal with wild rice, you feel energized, which is because of the magnesium content.

Aside from the wild rice in my chicken and rice casserole, some other ingredients that make this a healthy and filling dinner option are the goat milk, chicken broth and arrowroot flour that makes up the roux. You get a creamy texture and rich flavor, but this roux is easy on your digestive system.

Plus, the combination of mushrooms, kale, garlic and shallot gives this chicken and rice casserole a boost of vitamins and minerals that will support your immune system and help to reduce inflammation. Who knew a casserole can do so much for your health?

Chicken and Rice Casserole Nutrition Facts

One serving of my chicken and rice casserole made using this recipe contains roughly the following: (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6)

How to Make Chicken and Rice Casserole

To begin preparing your chicken and rice casserole, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, and take out a small saucepan and casserole dish.

Your first step is to make the roux, which will serve as the creamy and rich base of your casserole. To make the roux, add 2 tablespoons of either butter or avocado oil and 2 tablespoons of arrowroot powder to a small saucepan and cook the combo over medium heat.

Keep whisking the roux until it begins to bubble, which should take about 2 minutes.

Then add 2 cups of chicken broth as you keep whisking for another 10 minutes or so in order to thicken the roux.

Once your roux is visibly thicker, add 1 cup of goat milk.

Keep whisking for about 5 more minutes.

Now you should have a thick and creamy roux for your casserole.

It’s time to add all of your ingredients into the casserole dish. You need four chopped chicken thighs and 2 to 3 cups of cooked wild rice.

Then add in six medium mushrooms that have been quartered and 1½ cups of chopped kale.

]]>Have you ever tasted the rich beef stew known as carne guisada? With tender pieces of beef, beef bone broth, roasted tomatoes, peppers, garlic and spices, this is a super flavorful and nutrient-rich meal that requires little effort and is a great choice for weekly meal planning.

The best carne guisada recipe is definitely a matter of personal preference, but I think you’ll be quite pleased with the results of this mouthwatering version.

What is Carne Guisada?

Carne guisada is a beef stew that is extremely popular in many Latin American countries. Carne guisada recipes come in a few varieties, including a Mexican carne guisada recipe or a Puerto Rican carne guisada recipe.

Some people refer to a carne guisada recipe as a spiced up version of a more traditional beef stew. It’s typically served with rice or potatoes. (1) I could also see serving this stew with cauliflower rice with cilantro and lime.

An authentic carne guisada recipe does not usually include parsnips, but you’ll find them in this carne asade recipe. Not only are they a root vegetable with a great nutty taste, they’re also loaded with impressive parsnip nutrition.

This recipe is also safe for gluten-free eaters thanks to the use of cassava root flour rather than the usual wheat flour.

As you can see, this carne guisada recipe contains a wide variety of essential vitamins and minerals. Now let’s talk about how to make it!

How to Make Carne Guisada

This is a really easy carne guisada recipe. First, you’ll coat the meat in a little cassava root flour and sea salt. Next, you’ll quickly brown the meat pieces (opt for grass-fed beef if you can) on each side.

After that, all you have to do is add the meat and the remaining ingredients into a slow cooker and let it simmer for hours. As you may guess, all this low and slow cooking is going to result in such a delicious final product.

]]>https://draxe.com/recipe/carne-guisada-recipe/feed/1Taco Seasoning Mix Recipe (You’ll Want to Put on More Than Just Tacos)https://draxe.com/recipe/taco-seasoning-mix-recipe/
https://draxe.com/recipe/taco-seasoning-mix-recipe/#commentsThu, 08 Mar 2018 18:00:25 +0000Have you ever looked for a ready-to-go taco seasoning at the store? Even at some healthier grocery stores, I’ve found that it’s hard to find an ideal taco seasoning. All that you really need for a good taco seasoning is some spices and a little sea salt, but many companies add in unnecessary and outright... Read more »

]]>Have you ever looked for a ready-to-go taco seasoning at the store? Even at some healthier grocery stores, I’ve found that it’s hard to find an ideal taco seasoning. All that you really need for a good taco seasoning is some spices and a little sea salt, but many companies add in unnecessary and outright unhealthy ingredients. That’s why I highly recommend creating this simple yet tasty taco seasoning mix recipe.

Making this homemade taco seasoning mix recipe is the perfect way to get exactly what you want and need! Are you looking for a fish taco seasoning mix recipe? You can use this delicious recipe for fish tacos, chicken enchiladas, steak fajitas … the list goes on and on! I even love to throw this taco seasoning mix into scrambled eggs to majorly up the flavor factor. Plus, spices are known for being loaded with health-promoting antioxidants.

Why Make Your Own Taco Seasoning?

There are a lot variations when it comes to taco seasoning mix recipes. The ingredients can really depend on the spices you like (or don’t like) and exactly what dish you’re going to be using the taco seasoning on.

There are so many great reasons to make homemade taco seasoning. First off, you can have complete control over what goes into the mix. Pre-packaged mixes often have unwanted ingredients such as sugar and “natural flavor,” as well other questionable additives and preservatives. There’s no need for any of this in a good taco seasoning! Why not keep it simple?

Another awesome aspect of making taco seasoning at home is that you can make it more or less spicy according to your heat tolerance. If you want to make this taco seasoning on the spicy side, simply include some cayenne pepper.

This is a dry taco seasoning mix recipe so you can make it in large quantities and put it away for later. It can last for months in an airtight container stored in a cool, dry place. Then you’ll have a clean (no unnecessary junk!) and delicious taco seasoning ready to go anytime you need it. It’s really that simple.

Taco Seasoning Mix Nutrition Facts

A typical serving size of dry taco seasoning is two teaspoons. This recipe makes approximately 36 teaspoons of mix, so one serving of this recipe contains about: (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)

]]>https://draxe.com/recipe/taco-seasoning-mix-recipe/feed/1Blackened Salmon Recipe with Creamy Avocado Dressinghttps://draxe.com/recipe/blackened-salmon/
https://draxe.com/recipe/blackened-salmon/#commentsTue, 06 Mar 2018 18:00:44 +0000Many of us don’t get enough fish in our diet. The average American eats about four ounces a week, which is half of what’s recommended for most adults. (1) One complaint I hear often is that fish is too tricky to cook — or that it doesn’t taste great. Wait until you try this blackened... Read more »

]]>Many of us don’t get enough fish in our diet. The average American eats about four ounces a week, which is half of what’s recommended for most adults. (1) One complaint I hear often is that fish is too tricky to cook — or that it doesn’t taste great. Wait until you try this blackened salmon recipe!

Wild-caught salmon is one of my favorite fish to eat. It’s loaded with nutrients that are hard to come by elsewhere. This blackened salmon recipe is ready in under 30 minutes. You likely already have everything necessary on-hand, and, best of all, it’s fool-proof. Whether you think you like fish or not, you’ll want to at least try this blackened salmon.

What Goes Into Blackening Seasoning?

What makes this salmon so simple to prepare — and so delicious — is the blackened seasoning. One question I get often is: Is blackening seasoning the same as Cajun seasoning? Blackening seasoning and Cajun seasoning are quite similar. Most of the herbs and spices in this recipe are Cajun-style.

So, how do you make blackened seasoning? I’ve done that by adding smoked paprika, which gives this salmon that “charred” flavor you’d get if you were using an outdoor grill, and what makes it not just Cajun-style, but blackened as well.

Is blackened season spicy? Only if you want it to be! The smoked paprika in this recipe adds a little kick, but not too much. You can add cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper if you want to increase the heat here.

Do You Eat the Skin of Salmon?

This is something people wonder about often. The answer is, it depends. I prefer removing the skin unless I am grilling the salmon. If that’s the case, leaving the skin on can result in extra texture thanks to the skin becoming nice and crispy.

Another question I get asked often is do you cook salmon with the skin on or off? Again, since I usually prefer eating my salmon skin-free, I remove it. How do you remove skin from salmon? It’s actually much easier than people think and the more you do it, the better at it you’ll become.

Start by placing the salmon fillet on a cutting board. I find it helpful to sprinkle the tail end of the fish in salt to get a firm grip. Next, while holding the tail end, use a sharp knife to cut between the fish and the skin. You want to be cutting in the opposite direction from where the tail is.

Keep holding the end and continue cutting along the length of the salmon. Then simply remove and toss the skin.

Blackened Salmon Nutrition Facts

Once the fish is skinned, it’s ready for cooking. Here’s what you’ll get in one serving of this blackened salmon recipe without dressing:

As you can see, this blackened salmon recipe really packs a nutritional punch!

How to Make Blackened Salmon

I’ve served this fish as a blackened salmon salad nestled on kale, but you can serve this salmon any way you’d like. You could use this recipe for blackened salmon tacos, for instance, or serve this with sweet potato fries instead of kale. Once you try the recipe as-written, I’m sure you’ll be looking for as many ways as possible to incorporate it into your menu.

Start by warming the avocado oil in a large pan over medium heat. While the oil is heating, combine the herbs and seasonings in a small bowl.

Mix until they’re well-combined.

Coat the salmon filets evenly with the seasonings.

Use tongs to place the salmon filets in heated oil. Cover the pan and fry the fish for 5–10 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 145 degrees Fahrenheit.

]]>Key lime pie makes me think of spending warm, sunny days with my family in Floria. This creamy, sweet and acidic pie provides bold flavors and health benefits, too. In fact, limes are thought to boost your immune system and even help improve the health of your heart. (1, 2, 3) And when mixed with condensed coconut milk, gluten-free arrowroot flour and maple syrup, the lime juice used in this key lime pie recipe creates a thick and creamy texture that makes this pie so popular.

What is the Key in Key Lime Pie?

Traditionally, key lime pie is made with juice from the small key limes that grow throughout Florida. Compared to the Persian limes that we see year-round in our grocery stores, key limes are smaller, lighter and more acidic. Key limes also have a stronger aroma than Persian limes and are known for their unique flavor. Although the scientific name for key limes is Citrus aurantiifolia, they’ve become known as key limes because of their popularity in the Florida Keys.

Key lime pie is traditionally made with a combination of key lime juice, egg yolks, sweetened condensed milk, sugar and pie crust that’s made with all-purpose, white flour. In an effort to make my key lime pie recipe as healthy as possible, I use maple syrup as a natural sweetener, condensed coconut milk that provides healthy fats and arrowroot flour that makes my pie gluten-free. I also typically use lime juice and zest from the Persian limes that you find in your local grocery store in an effort to make this recipe accessible. Plus, the maple syrup, vanilla extract and salt in this recipe contributes greatly to the robust flavor.

Did you know that when the acidic lime juice is mixed with the coconut milk and arrowroot flour, it causes a reaction that makes the filling of the pie thicken? This is why key lime pie doesn’t need to be baked. So, give my recipe a try … Eating this key lime pie will make you feel like you’re sitting on a sunny patio in Florida.

Key Lime Pie Recipe Nutrition Facts

One serving of my key lime pie made using this recipe contains roughly the following: (4, 5, 6, 7, 8)

How to Make This Key Lime Pie Recipe

Your first step in preparing this key lime pie is to combine 2 tablespoons of arrowroot flour and 1 tablespoon of coconut oilin a saucepan over medium heat. Simply whisk the starch and oil for about a minute until it creates a roux.

Next, add 2 cups of evaporated or condensed coconut milk. You want to whisk this mixture continuously until it thickens and forms a custard-like consistency. This should take about 10 minutes of whisking.

]]>https://draxe.com/recipe/key-lime-pie-recipe/feed/15Banana Pudding Recipehttps://draxe.com/recipe/banana-pudding-recipe/
https://draxe.com/recipe/banana-pudding-recipe/#commentsTue, 27 Feb 2018 18:00:07 +0000“Life-changing.” “Best dessert I’ve ever had.” Pretty strong statements, right? Well, these are just two of the many flattering responses I’ve gotten about this banana pudding recipe from scratch. I have to admit it really is incredibly tasty and also gluten-free and Paleo-friendly! People who say they don’t like bananas very much are even loving this... Read more »

]]>“Life-changing.” “Best dessert I’ve ever had.” Pretty strong statements, right? Well, these are just two of the many flattering responses I’ve gotten about this banana pudding recipe from scratch. I have to admit it really is incredibly tasty and also gluten-free and Paleo-friendly! People who say they don’t like bananas very much are even loving this healthier take on this classic Southern dessert.

Could this be the best banana pudding recipe around? According to many taste testers, yes, it really is. And if you layer the ingredients of this banana pudding recipe just right, you can create an incredible banana pudding trifle, which is sure to visually impress. Not to mention that the layering creates a series of perfect bites of banana, pudding, vanilla wafer and whipped cream.

Paleo Banana Pudding vs. Old Fashioned Banana Pudding

There are a lot of different banana pudding recipes out there. There’s a banana pudding recipe with cream cheese, a banana pudding recipe with condensed milk or even a banana pudding recipe with sour cream. But if you’re looking for a dairy-free recipe for banana pudding, none of these versions will fit the bill!

Typically, an old fashioned banana pudding recipe will also include milk and/or condensed milk, but not this recipe. The surprising thing is that this Paleo banana pudding won’t leave you missing dairy products at all. With Paleo-friendly ingredients like coconut milk, this is going to be just as delicious, if not more delicious, then any old fashioned banana pudding recipe you’ve tried.

This recipe also keeps the banana slices separate from the actual pudding. So if you’re someone that is completely steering clear of bananas while on the Paleo diet, no problem. Simply leave the banana slices out of the recipe.

A typical Southern banana pudding recipe is loaded with refined sugar. In this recipe, the bananas provide plenty of natural sweetness along with a little bit of maple syrup.

How to Make This Banana Pudding Recipe

This homemade banana pudding recipe is really not hard to make at all. First, you’ll make the pudding by combining and heating the coconut milk, vanilla bean, eggs, arrowroot, cinnamon, maple syrup and a tiny bit of sea salt. You’ll whisk this mixture until it thickens into a custard-like consistency.

While the pudding chills in the fridge (for about 60 minutes), you’ll make the rich and creamy coconut whipped cream. Finally, you’ll layer pudding, vanilla cookies, fresh banana slices and whipped cream. Top it all off with some walnuts, and you have yourself an incredibly delicious and beautiful dessert, perfect for parties and get-togethers. Let’s get started.

In a medium-sized saucepan, combine coconut milk and vanilla bean with seeds scraped into the pot as well. Heat milk to almost boil. Then, reduce to low.

Once all is well-combined, add this mixture back to the saucepan over medium-low heat. Whisk continuously until mixture thickens into a custard-like texture. Remove and let cool before placing in the fridge to chill completely.

While pudding is chilling, carefully remove the cream from two cans of coconut milk into a medium-sized bowl. With a hand mixer, beat the cream until light and fluffy. Add one tablespoon maple syrup while beating. Set whipped cream aside.

In desired serving dish, starting layering all of the ingredients.

First, put the pudding. Then add the cookies …

Followed by the banana slices and whipped cream.

Repeat in that order until all ingredients are used and whipped cream is the final topping.

]]>https://draxe.com/recipe/banana-pudding-recipe/feed/3Chicken Parmesan Recipehttps://draxe.com/recipe/chicken-parmesan-recipe/
https://draxe.com/recipe/chicken-parmesan-recipe/#commentsThu, 22 Feb 2018 18:00:08 +0000Did you know that a chicken parmesan recipe is not commonly made or consumed in Italy? That’s right, chicken parmesan is actually an Italian-American dish. In Italy, they stick with vegetarian-friendly eggplant parmesan, also known as eggplant parmigiana, but when Italian immigrants came to the United States, meat was much cheaper compared to the prices in... Read more »

]]>Did you know that a chicken parmesan recipe is not commonly made or consumed in Italy? That’s right, chicken parmesan is actually an Italian-American dish.

In Italy, they stick with vegetarian-friendly eggplant parmesan, also known as eggplant parmigiana, but when Italian immigrants came to the United States, meat was much cheaper compared to the prices in Europe; that’s when chicken and veal became the new stars of this well-known classic. (1)

What about this recipe? This baked chicken parmesan recipe has all the flavor you love — without any of the gluten!

A Gluten-Free Chicken Parmesan Recipe

Are you ready for the best chicken parmesan recipe minus the gluten? Chicken parmesan recipes are usually pretty similar and contain the same key ingredients: chicken, bread crumbs, tomato sauce and cheese. (2)

So just like any great chicken parmesan recipe, this one has a breaded chicken breast topped with tomato sauce and melted mozzarella cheese.

However, with this recipe, instead of wheat flour and bread crumbs, you’re going to use cassava root flour and some crushed up gluten-free crackers combined with sheep’s milk Pecorino Romano and spices to coat the chicken breasts. Don’t worry, it’s going to taste just as delicious as usual!

While chicken parmesan is typically served with pasta, I recommend trying this chicken parmesan recipe with naturally gluten-free zucchini noodles, or another gluten-free noodle you enjoy.

How to Make This Chicken Parmesan Recipe

You love ordering it when you’re out at an Italian restaurant, so why not try making this recipe for chicken parmesan in your own kitchen? As with most easy chicken parmesan recipes, this one only takes a little bit over an hour, and that includes cooking time.

First, you’ll coat the chicken breasts in the cassava root flour, followed by the egg wash and finally, the “bread crumb” and cheese mixture. Then you’ll briefly cook the breasts on the stove top before putting them into the oven with the tomato sauce and cheese.

After some baking time, everything will meld together beautifully, and you can put your chicken and sauce on top of gluten-free noodles. Is your mouth watering yet?

To get started with this parmesan chicken recipe, have your oven preheating to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Next, in an oven-safe pan over medium heat, warm up the avocado oil.

Meanwhile, place the eggs, cassava flour and crackers into three separate bowls large enough to dredge the chicken.

]]>https://draxe.com/recipe/chicken-parmesan-recipe/feed/1Chicken Katsu Recipehttps://draxe.com/recipe/chicken-katsu/
https://draxe.com/recipe/chicken-katsu/#respondTue, 20 Feb 2018 16:45:13 +0000Have you ever heard of chicken katsu? It’s a Japanese dish that includes crispy and flaky chicken cutlets. When paired with a healthy dipping oil, like the one I put together for this recipe, chicken katsu is a filling meal that’s loaded with protein and healthy fats. I love cooking up organic chicken recipes, like... Read more »

]]>Have you ever heard of chicken katsu? It’s a Japanese dish that includes crispy and flaky chicken cutlets. When paired with a healthy dipping oil, like the one I put together for this recipe, chicken katsu is a filling meal that’s loaded with protein and healthy fats.

What Is Chicken Katsu?

Chicken katsu is a Japanese dish that’s made with thin pieces of crispy, fried chicken. The term “katsu” means cutlet. You can find katsu done with a variety of meats, including chicken, pork and seafood.

Traditionally, chicken katsu is made by frying chicken cutlets with all-purpose, white flour, eggs, panko breadcrumbs and vegetable oil. Panko is very popular in Japanese cooking, and it’s known to make for particularly crispy cutlets because it’s lighter and flakier than regular breadcrumbs. The larger flakes absorb less oil and give you that desired crispy texture, but like most breadcrumbs on the market today, panko is made with processed white bread.

For my chicken katsu, I use gluten-free crackers that are ground into fine crumbs instead of panko or breadcrumbs that are made with refined carbohydrates. When dredging the chicken, I use cassava flour instead of all-purpose flour because it’s gluten-free and made by grating and drying cassava root, which is also known as yuca. Cassava flour is one of my favorite gluten-free flours because it’s also nut- and grain-free, making it easily digestible for most people.

And to fry my chicken katsu, I use avocado oilinstead of typical processed oils. Avocado oil is made by pressing the fleshy pulp that surrounds the avocado pit. It’s full of healthy fats and has a high smoke point, which is really important when you’re frying foods. You need to use oils that have a higher smoke point because oils can lose their structure and create damaging compounds when they reach a certain temperature.

So if you’re looking for a recipe that gives you that crispy, flaky texture of traditional chicken katsu, but doesn’t contain gluten and/or hydrogenated oils, try my recipe. It’s simple and serves as a great source of protein and healthy fats, too.

Chicken Katsu Nutrition Facts

One serving of chicken katsu made using this recipe contains roughly the following: (1, 2, 3, 4, 5)

How to Make Chicken Katsu

Alright, to start preparing this chicken katsu, I like to mix the dipping oil first. This is really simple … In a small bowl or container, mix 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard, 4 tablespoons of coconut aminos and 2 tablespoons of sesame oil.

Mix these ingredients until they are well-combined. Then set your dipping oil aside until you’re ready to eat your chicken katsu.

In a large pan over medium heat, warm avocado oil while you move onto the next steps. Next, get ready to dredge your chicken cutlets. In cooking, dredging meat or vegetables means that you’re coating them when moist with a dry ingredient, like flour and breadcrumbs, before cooking them.

You need three ingredients for dredging your chicken cutlets, so take out three medium-sized bowls for this. One bowl is for 1 cup of cassava flour with 1 teaspoon of sea saltadded to it, the other gets 4 whisked eggs and the last bowl is for 2 cups of gluten-free crackers that are ground into fine crumbs.

Start by covering your chicken cutlet with the cassava flour — covering all sides of the cutlet evenly. Then dip it into the eggs.

Then finish it off by coating the cutlet with the ground crackers.

Once you have repeated this process for the pound of chicken cutlets, they are ready to be fried.

When your oil is heated, add in two cutlets at a time, or as many that will fit into the pan. Fry each side of the cutlets until they are golden brown and the interior temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. This should take about 10–15 minutes.

And just like that, you have crispy, crunchy and delicious chicken katsu. Dip your chicken into your already preparing dipping oil, and you’re ready to go! Enjoy!

]]>https://draxe.com/recipe/chicken-katsu/feed/0Hasselback Potatoes Recipehttps://draxe.com/recipe/hasselback-potatoes/
https://draxe.com/recipe/hasselback-potatoes/#respondFri, 16 Feb 2018 19:53:16 +0000Potatoes are such a versatile food. Potato chips, French fries, au gratin, mashed potatoes — some of the tastiest side dishes are made from the vegetable. When you want to take your potato game to the next level, it’s time to make Hasselback potatoes. These dressed up potatoes, which I’m making with sweet potatoes, are sure... Read more »

]]>Potatoes are such a versatile food. Potato chips, French fries, au gratin, mashed potatoes — some of the tastiest side dishes are made from the vegetable. When you want to take your potato game to the next level, it’s time to make Hasselback potatoes. These dressed up potatoes, which I’m making with sweet potatoes, are sure to be crowd-pleasers.

What Does “Hasselback” Mean in Cooking? Where Do Hasselback Potatoes Come From?

So what is a Hasselback potato? Don’t worry, it’s not a fancy cooking method you haven’t learned yet. This potato gets its name from the restaurant it was invented in, the Hasselbacken in Stockholm, Sweden. The “when” isn’t clear … Though some people claim it happened way back in the 1700s, it’s more likely that the recipe was created in the 1950s. (1) But no matter how long it’s been around, Hasselback potatoes are delicious.

What makes a Hasselback potato is the way it’s prepared. A Hasselback potato is sliced about three-quarters of the way through, sliced but still intact on the bottom.

One trick to do this easily is to place the potato between two spatulas to keep it from moving. If your potatoes are on the small side, you can also place them on a wooden spoon; as you slice, the wood will keep the knife from cutting all the way through.

And trust me, you want that potato in one piece. The delicious result is a potato that’s crisp on the outside, like fries, but soft and creamy on the inside, like a baked potato, but with all the flavor packed between slices instead of only on top. It’s the best of both worlds!

You can use any potatoes you’d like to make Hasselback potatoes, though I love making them with sweet potatoesfor the additional nutritional benefits. You can make the slices as thick or as thin as you’d like. You’ll add your fat of choice, like butter, ghee or avocado oil. Next come the seasonings, and then anything else you enjoy on potatoes.

What makes my Hasselback sweet potatoes recipe so tasty is the combination of flavors we’re using. We’re going to make a delicious seasoning blend made from avocado oil, hazelnuts and herbs that we’ll spread all in the potato crevices. Then, before serving, we’ll top the potatoes with chives, creamy goat cheese and maple syrup to bring out the potatoes’ natural sweetness.

This Hasselback potatoes recipe makes an amazing side dish for steak, chicken or, well, anything. If you want, you can even pair them with a side salad and make it a full meal.

Hasselback Potatoes Nutrition Facts

So let’s talk nutrition for these Hasselback potatoes. Here’s what you’ll get in one serving: (1)(2)(3)(4)(5)

]]>https://draxe.com/recipe/hasselback-potatoes/feed/0Palak Paneer Recipehttps://draxe.com/recipe/palak-paneer/
https://draxe.com/recipe/palak-paneer/#respondTue, 13 Feb 2018 18:00:56 +0000Do you love the taste of Indian spices, but you’re not really sure how to use them to make new and exciting dishes? Like my chicken tikka masala recipe, my palak paneer is made with traditional Indian spices, but it’s also vegetarian friendly. It’s a rich, satisfying and nutrient-dense dish that pairs perfectly with Paleo... Read more »

]]>Do you love the taste of Indian spices, but you’re not really sure how to use them to make new and exciting dishes? Like my chicken tikka masala recipe, my palak paneer is made with traditional Indian spices, but it’s also vegetarian friendly. It’s a rich, satisfying and nutrient-dense dish that pairs perfectly with Paleo naan bread.

You’re going to love the creaminess that comes from the goat feta and goat yogurt, the warming flavors that come from garam masala and the nuttiness from the cashews. Plus, with veggies like spinach, green peppers and tomatillos, this recipe packs a nutritious punch — with loads of vitamin K and A.

What Is Palak Paneer?

Palak paneer is an Indian dish that’s made with pureed spinach (palak) and paneer, a type of cheese that’s similar to cottage cheese and commonly consumed in South Asia. Palak paneer is also prepared with an array of delicious and versatile spices, including garam masala, curry and turmeric.

Did you know that garam masala usually contains more than 10 different spices? It typically contains warm spices like nutmeg, smoked paprika, cardamom, clove, cinnamon and cumin. You’ll commonly find garam masala in curries, soups and even hummus recipes.

Turmeric, another classic ingredient used in palak paneer, is also the main spice used in Indian curries. Not only are there a number of powerful, healing turmeric benefits, but it adds a unique earthy flavor to this dish.

Palak paneer is a versatile dish because it falls within the guidelines of a vegetarian diet, as it’s completely free of meat, and it’s also gluten-free. It may seem like more of a dip or side dish, but it’s high in protein, nutrient-dense and very filling, so I recommend trying it for dinner.

Is Palak Paneer the Same as Saag Paneer?

Palak paneer is different than saag paneer because the latter is a leaf-based dish that can be made with spinach, or other leafy greens like collard greens or mustard leaf. Unlike palak paneer, saag paneer doesn’t always contain cheese. In fact, there are a lot of popular variations of saag paneer, like leafy greens and potatoes, and greens with goat or lamb.

What’s similar about these two vegetarian dishes is that they are both puréed and commonly paired with a type of bread, like naan.

Palak Paneer Nutrition Facts

One serving of my palak paneer made using this recipe contains roughly the following: (1, 2, 3, 4, 5)

]]>https://draxe.com/recipe/palak-paneer/feed/0Coq Au Vin Recipehttps://draxe.com/recipe/coq-au-vin/
https://draxe.com/recipe/coq-au-vin/#respondThu, 08 Feb 2018 18:00:42 +0000Preparing a classic French dish may seem intimidating to you, but there’s really nothing to it. My version of coq au vin is made in the traditional fashion, in that I braise chicken legs in red wine, but I also add in some healthy and tasty ingredients that up the nutrition content of the dish.... Read more »

]]>Preparing a classic French dish may seem intimidating to you, but there’s really nothing to it. My version of coq au vin is made in the traditional fashion, in that I braise chicken legs in red wine, but I also add in some healthy and tasty ingredients that up the nutrition content of the dish. And what’s easier than a stew? Like mybeef stew recipe, this coq au vin requires some prepping and chopping, but once you’ve done that, you can sit back and smell the goodness until it’s ready.

This gluten-free coq au vin is decadent, well-rounded and delicious. It’s the perfect dish to prepare for your family and friends. And I guarantee they will be completely satisfied and totally impressed.

What is Coq Au Vin?

Coq au vin is a classic French stew that’s made with chicken legs, bits of bacon, mushrooms and pearl onions. The signature of the dish is the rich sauce that comes from braising the chicken in red wine; in fact, coq au vin means “rooster with wine.” If you don’t often cook with wine, you’ll be pleasantly surprised to see how much it enhances the flavor of any dish, especially a stew. As it boils down, the alcohol evaporates, and you are left with the sweet and rich flavor of the wine. I also add arrowroot starch and grass-fed butter to this stew to make the sauce thicker and creamier.

Some other additions to my version of coq au vin are nutrient-dense ingredients like kale, asparagus and carrots. And I chose to use beef bacon instead of pork bacon because I avoid eating pork, and you’re getting a better cut of meat with the beef bacon. Plus, it really adds to the depth of flavor in this stew.

As far as seasonings go, I use a combination of sage, tarragon, garlic and herbes de Provence. Herbes de provence is a combination of dried herbs like thyme, savory, oregano, marjoram and lavender. All of these herbs are commonly used in the Provence region of France, and the combo really brings life to this coq au vin.

Coq Au Vin Nutrition Facts

One serving of coq au vin made using this recipe contains roughly the following: (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6)

How to Make Coq Au Vin

To begin making this coq au vin, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and take out a large dutch oven. Then lightly salt the chicken and set it aside until it’s time for braising.

Your first step is to fry six to eight pieces of chopped beef bacon in your dutch oven over medium heat. You want the bacon to become nice and crisp. When it’s done, use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon and set it aside for now.

Next, you’re going to braise the chicken. Turn the heat to medium-high and place your salted chicken skin down until it turns a golden brown. You don’t want to cook the middle yet, so when you notice color changing, reduce the heat to medium and remove the chicken. Set it aside while you add in your herbs and veggies.

Now you’ll add in 1 tablespoon sage, 1 tablespoon herbes de Provence, 2 tablespoons chopped tarragon and 1 tablespoon minced garlic. Let the herbs bloom in the heat for about a minute and then begin adding in your veggies.

]]>https://draxe.com/recipe/coq-au-vin/feed/0Vegetable Beef Barley Soup (Slow Cooker Recipe)https://draxe.com/recipe/beef-barley-soup/
https://draxe.com/recipe/beef-barley-soup/#commentsTue, 06 Feb 2018 19:18:02 +0000Slow cookers are a serious time-saver in the kitchen. If you’re busy, don’t particularly like cooking or are feeling uninspired (or all of the above!), using a slow cooker means you can dump in a bunch of ingredients, set a timer and forget about it until the delicious smells let you know it’s ready —... Read more »

]]>Slow cookers are a serious time-saver in the kitchen. If you’re busy, don’t particularly like cooking or are feeling uninspired (or all of the above!), using a slow cooker means you can dump in a bunch of ingredients, set a timer and forget about it until the delicious smells let you know it’s ready — even for breakfast!

Soups are usually a favorite, though, because you can pile on the veggies, add in some broth and have a warm-your-bones meal ready with little hands-on time. That’s the case with this beef barley soup recipe. We’ll combine beef stew meat with barley, vegetables and seasonings for a truly delicious slow cooker recipe.

What Is the Difference Between Hulled and Pearled Barley?

I love beef and barley soup because it’s an opportunity to cook with some ingredients I don’t use as often, like collard greens and barley.

Have you tried barley before? It’s an ancient grain that is rich in fiber and can help improve digestion. (1, 2) But like so many foods available today, there are several different types of barley available in stores. The two most common are hulled barley and pearled barley. What is the difference between hulled and pearled barley?

Hulled barley is the whole-grain version of barley. Only the outermost hull of the grain, which is inedible, has been removed, so the grain is minimally processed. Hulled barley is the most nutritious type and, ideally, is the one you purchase at the store. (3) It’s ready in about an hour.

Pearled barley is the most common type of barley. This bad boy is not a whole grain, because as it gets “pearled,” some, or all, of the outer bran layer, along with the inedible hull, is removed. This is what you’ll usually find at the store. While it’s less healthy than hulled barley, it’s not completely nutritionally void, because some of the bran may be intact.

Additionally, because barley’s fiber is found throughout the grain, not just in outer layers that are removed, you’re still getting some of the good stuff. If you’re short on time, pearled barley can be a good choice, too — it’s ready in about 40 minutes.

Because both types of barley take some time, they’re both excellent to use in a slow cooker beef barley soup recipe. Who cares about time in the slow cooker? The beef is a good choice for the same reason. Without slow cooking, stew meat can be quite tough. But after eight hours cooking, it’s super tender and delicious.

Beef Barley Soup Nutrition Facts

When you chow down on this vegetable beef barley soup, what exactly are you getting? One serving provides:

How to Make Beef Barley Soup

This recipe is seriously simple to make. Before getting started, chop up your veggies. You can even do this the night before to save time.

When you’re ready to make the beef and barley soup, heat the avocado oil in a large pan until the oil is hot. Add beef and brown on each side, about 1–2 minutes. The meat will finish cooking in the slow cooker, but you want it to get a nice color.

Next, add all the ingredients to the slow cooker.

That includes the fresh herbs as well as …

the broth and the beef.

Turn the slow cooker to low and cook for the next 8 hours.

The result will be a fresh bowl of hearty soup, ready to be eaten!

Serve the soup warm with a side of sprouted bread if you’d like to soak up some of the delicious broth.

]]>https://draxe.com/recipe/beef-barley-soup/feed/5Hungarian Chicken Paprikash Recipehttps://draxe.com/recipe/chicken-paprikash/
https://draxe.com/recipe/chicken-paprikash/#commentsThu, 01 Feb 2018 18:00:48 +0000This chicken paprikash recipe is my healthy take on a classic Hungarian favorite. If you haven’t had this delicious chicken dish before, then you are really in for a treat! Most chicken paprikash recipes don’t include many vegetables and definitely not leafy greens, but what’s a main course without some antioxidant-rich greens? I’m taking this... Read more »

]]>This chicken paprikash recipe is my healthy take on a classic Hungarian favorite. If you haven’t had this delicious chicken dish before, then you are really in for a treat!

Most chicken paprikash recipes don’t include many vegetables and definitely not leafy greens, but what’s a main course without some antioxidant-rich greens? I’m taking this easy chicken paprikash recipe up a notch by including collard greens. I think you’ll agree that this dark leafy green is the perfect addition and comes out so flavorful and tender just like everything else in this tasty recipe.

What is Chicken Paprikash?

Chicken paprikash, also called paprika chicken, is a popular dish in Hungary. A typical chicken paprikash contains meat that has been simmered in a rich and flavorful sauce. Hungarian chicken paprikash always includes the spice that gives the dish its name — paprika. This bright red-colored spice comes from the chili pepper (Capsicum annuum) plant and is known for adding a distinct peppery flavor to dishes like this one. (1)

Just like other authentic hungarian chicken paprikash recipes, this recipe includes a sauce that starts out with a roux flavored with paprika and other spices. For this recipe, rather than using flour to make the roux, you’ll be using gluten-free arrowroot starch.

It’s common to serve chicken paprikash with dumplings or dumpling-like egg noodles, but this recipe skips the dumplings. I recommend serving this recipe with gluten-free noodles. Of course, you can also eat this recipe without noodles.

How to Make Chicken Paprikash

Before you get started, make sure your oven is preheating to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. You can chop the vegetables while the oven is heating up so they’re ready to be thrown into the mix when it’s time.

In a large dutch oven over medium-high heat, add the avocado oil. While the oil is heating up a bit, salt the chicken. Add the chicken thighs to the pot and braise each side for about seven minutes each. Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside as you move on to the next steps.

That’s all there is to it. Enjoy this tender chicken and flavorful sauce!

If you have a slow cooker, you can also use this recipe to make a slow cooker chicken paprikash. Want to make a chicken paprikash soup? When you’re done making this recipe, simply shred the chicken and omit the noodles. Add a few more cups of chicken bone broth if needed.

]]>https://draxe.com/recipe/chicken-paprikash/feed/2Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookie Recipehttps://draxe.com/recipe/chocolate-chip-oatmeal-cookie-recipe/
https://draxe.com/recipe/chocolate-chip-oatmeal-cookie-recipe/#commentsMon, 29 Jan 2018 23:14:11 +0000No matter what your age, you’re never too old for a freshly baked cookie. Warm, gooey and totally delicious, it’s no coincidence that cookies are one of my favorite treats to bake. Even novice bakers can whip up cookies in just a few minutes (of course, if you really just hate baking, you can also... Read more »

]]>No matter what your age, you’re never too old for a freshly baked cookie. Warm, gooey and totally delicious, it’s no coincidence that cookies are one of my favorite treats to bake. Even novice bakers can whip up cookies in just a few minutes (of course, if you really just hate baking, you can also try these no-bake coconut cookies!).

One cookie recipe that’s always a crowd pleaser is this oatmeal cookie recipe. Even people who don’t consider themselves oatmeal fans rave about this one. After all, these are gluten-free and have no refined sugar. As a bonus, you’ll likely have all of the ingredients in your pantry already. Did I mention these only take 20 minutes to prepare? That even includes baking time! Next time you’re ready for a snack, try your hand at this oatmeal cookies recipe.

Are Oatmeal Cookies Good for You?

Cookies aren’t exactly considered a healthy snack, but if you are going to indulge in a cookie, you could do a lot worse than these oatmeal chocolate chip cookies. Oats are actually a pretty nutritious ingredient. Sometimes people think they’re not gluten-free, but oats don’t contain barley, wheat or rye, which are the three types of grains that have gluten in them. So even if you’re following a GF lifestyle, there’s no need to kick oats out of the kitchen. I do, however, still recommend that you pick up certified gluten-free oats if you are allergic to gluten, just to be sure there’s been no cross-contamination.

Have you ever experienced a stomachache or bloating after eating oats? That can be a sign your diet is lacking high-fiber foods. As your body adjusts to eating more high-fiber foods, those symptoms should subside. Drinking plenty of water with oats or soaking them overnight before cooking with them can also help in the meantime.

When whole grains like oatmeal are consumed in moderation, they can be part of a healthy diet. Oats, in particular, are packed with fiber and not just any fiber, but the filling kind, known as soluble fiber, which helps you feel full for longer. Choosing whole grains instead of refined, processed grains like white rice and pasta also means you won’t get that tired, too-full feeling after eating. That happens when your blood sugar levels spike and then crash. Luckily, oats’ low score on the glycemic index means they don’t cause the same fluctuations. (1)

But, of course, you can make anything unhealthy if you try hard enough. Are oatmeal cookies good for you? I can’t speak to every recipe out there, but my oatmeal cookie recipe is definitely healthier than a lot out there! If you’re sensitive or allergic to gluten, you’ll love this recipe because it uses Paleo flour, a gluten-free alternative to traditional flour. We’ll sweeten things up with coconut sugar, a natural sweetener that’s a good alternative to refined sugar. I like to add nutmeg, cinnamon and sea salt for extra flavor and then, of course, chocolate chips! Skip the milk chocolate chips and opt for dark chocolate for added health benefits.

Bottom line: this oatmeal cookie recipe isn’t a health food, but when you’re reaching for a cookie to curb your fix, these are a delicious and relatively healthy option.

How to Make This Oatmeal Cookie Recipe

Ready to make this recipe for oatmeal cookies?

Start by preheating the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Then in a large bowl, mix the coconut sugar, eggs, coconut butter and vanilla. You can use either a hand mixer or a whisk for this; you just want all of the ingredients to be well-combined.

]]>https://draxe.com/recipe/chocolate-chip-oatmeal-cookie-recipe/feed/5Butternut Squash Ravioli Recipe With Browned Butter Saucehttps://draxe.com/recipe/butternut-squash-ravioli/
https://draxe.com/recipe/butternut-squash-ravioli/#commentsTue, 23 Jan 2018 18:00:39 +0000Butternut squash ravioli combines so many delicious flavors and textures into one dish. This recipe includes what may be the simplest yet the best sauce for butternut squash ravioli. What’s in it? Well I’ll tell you the key ingredient: rich, creamy and nutritious grass-fed butter. Wondering about the butternut squash ravioli filling? As expected, the... Read more »

]]>Butternut squash ravioli combines so many delicious flavors and textures into one dish. This recipe includes what may be the simplest yet the best sauce for butternut squash ravioli. What’s in it? Well I’ll tell you the key ingredient: rich, creamy and nutritious grass-fed butter.

Wondering about the butternut squash ravioli filling? As expected, the main ingredient is flavorful butternut squash, but that’s not all! This homemade butternut squash ravioli also contains creamy goat cheese, zesty garlic and an array of brightening herbs, including thyme and sage. I’ve also included a unique and healthy addition that recently appeared in my roasted fennel bulb recipe — pistachios. This is a key ingredient that adds a nutty, buttery and rich flavor.

Did I mention these ravioli are actually totally gluten-free? Using a simple mixture of cassava flour, tapioca, water and avocado oil, this recipe allows you to enjoy pasta minus gluten, which is especially get news if you have a gluten sensitivity.

Best Sauce for Butternut Squash Ravioli

If you’ve had this vegetable-centric version of ravioli before, you may already have a favorite butternut squash ravioli sauce. Of course, the best sauce for butternut squash ravioli is a matter of personal opinion, but many people will agree that a brown butter sauce like the one included in this recipe is in fact the best sauce for butternut squash ravioli.

The great thing about a brown butter sauce is it’s rich and tasty but light enough that it doesn’t overpower the pasta the way a butternut squash ravioli cream sauce often can. A dairy-heavy cream sauce can just be too much, leaving you feeling sluggish and wishing you could have tasted the butternut squash ravioli filling more since it’s so tasty and delicious.

This recipe is not for a vegan butternut squash ravioli, but it’s definitely vegetarian-friendly.

How to Make Butternut Squash Ravioli

The steps of this recipe can be divided into three main parts: making the ravioli filling, making the ravioli itself and making the sauce.

Want to have some frozen butternut squash ravioli on hand the next time you don’t feel like cooking? Make these butter squash ravioli in batches and put some in the freezer for later. If you like the idea of roasted butternut squash ravioli, simply roast the squash chunks rather than boiling them.

To get this recipe started, you’re going to melt one stick of butter in a small saucepan over medium heat and whisk continuously until the butter reaches a light-brown color (about two to three minutes), then remove from heat and pour into a small bowl.

Next, reduce the heat to medium-low and, using the same saucepan, combine the remaining one tablespoon of butter, sage, garlic, rosemary and thyme. Sauté for two to three minutes.

In a food processor, begin combining the filling ingredients, including the butternut squash chunks and soaked pistachios.

Lay parchment paper on a flat surface and sprinkle flour on top. Flatten a portion of the dough onto the parchment with a rolling pin, creating a rectangular shape until it’s a half centimeter thick and, with a knife, cut the dough length-wise directly down the center to create two halves.

Spoon two teaspoons of the butternut squash mixture on one half of dough, each dollop about an inch apart, and, with a damp finger or brush, trace around the edges of the dollop of filling to create an adhesive.

Place the other half of flattened dough on top, sandwiching the filling in between, and secure the dough by tracing the outsides with your fingers. With a cookie cutter of desired shape, cut out the ravioli.

Set the ravioli aside, and, in a large pot, bring water to a boil.

Place raviolis into the boiling pot for about five minutes, or until they float to the top.

Divide the ravioli between 5–6 bowls. Top with browned butter sauce and toppings.

]]>https://draxe.com/recipe/butternut-squash-ravioli/feed/2Béarnaise Sauce Recipe: For Steaks, Eggs and Morehttps://draxe.com/recipe/bearnaise-sauce/
https://draxe.com/recipe/bearnaise-sauce/#commentsSat, 20 Jan 2018 18:00:28 +0000I’m always looking for ways to liven up foods. You know the deal: you have a go-to steak recipe or favorite roasted veggies, but they can use a little oomph. If that sounds familiar, I’ve got you covered. I’ve just perfected my béarnaise sauce recipe, and it is good. This is the sauce you’re going... Read more »

]]>I’m always looking for ways to liven up foods. You know the deal: you have a go-to steak recipe or favorite roasted veggies, but they can use a little oomph. If that sounds familiar, I’ve got you covered. I’ve just perfected my béarnaise sauce recipe, and it is good. This is the sauce you’re going to want to pour over everything: this seared grass-fed steak is the most obvious choice, but béarnaise is amazing on veggies, grilled fish, poached eggs or, really, anything. It’s definitely a sauce that sounds more difficult to make than it really is, and that’s a relief, because you’re going to love this béarnaise sauce. What Is Béarnaise Sauce? So what is béarnaise sauce? Like so many classic sauces, béarnaise sauce is a French creation. It’s actually derived from Hollandaise sauce (if you haven’t tried it, my recipe takes just five minutes and is incredible for your eggs Benedict!), which is considered one of the five French mother sauces. (1) Both sauces are made from emulsifying butter and egg yolk and then adding in a little acid. In Hollandaise, that’s usually lemon juice. In a béarnaise sauce, it’s white wine vinegar. But while Hollandaise is super basic, béarnaise sauce kicks things up a notch by adding shallots and fresh herbs, like tarragon, for flavor. In my béarnaise sauce recipe, we’ll use the traditional béarnaise ingredients but add our own take on it, too. Apple cider vinegar will add a richer flavor, and we’ll include peppercorns as well. I’ve added truffle oil as an optional finishing touch, and if you can get your hands on some, I highly recommend this step. It adds a little extra creaminess and a subtle truffle taste. What I love about béarnaise sauce and the other French sauces is they don’t require any crazy ingredients or equipment. The average home cook can make these sauces easily and take any meal to the next level. Once you start making your own sauces, you’ll never buy the pre-made stuff again. This tartar sauce, for instance, works with so many foods besides fish. A homemade caramel sauce makes any dessert better. And tzatziki sauce? Hello, falafel and Greek salad! The point is, all these sauces seem daunting until you get your hands dirty in the kitchen. Béarnaise Sauce Nutrition Facts When you make this béarnaise sauce, here’s what you’ll get in one serving: 249 calories 1.69 grams protein 26.41 grams fat 826 IUs vitamin A (35 percent DV) 59.6 milligrams choline (14 percent DV) 0.17 micrograms vitamin B12 (7 percent DV) 1.07 milligrams vitamin E (7 percent DV) 31 IUs vitamin D (5 percent DV) 0.057 milligrams vitamin B2 (5 percent DV) 0.237 milligrams vitamin B5 (5 percent DV) 0.067 milligrams vitamin B6 (5 percent DV) How to Make Béarnaise Sauce To get started with this béarnaise, heat a saucepan over medium heat and combine shallots, garlic, ½ cup tarragon, peppercorns, vinegar and wine. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Let the mix come to a simmer, then watch it closely. When the mixture has reduced to about ½ cup in volume (about 15 minutes), it’s ready. Using a cheesecloth, strain the mixture so only the liquid remains. Next, in a double boiler over medium-low heat, combine the liquid with the egg yolks. Then whisk the mixture until small bubbles appear and it starts looking slightly foamy. Add the cubed butter and melt, whisking continuously until the mixture has thickened into a sauce, about 15 minutes. Your béarnaise sauce is now ready! Remove it from the heat and add the truffle oil and remaining fresh tarragon. Serve about a tablespoon (or more … I’m not judging!) over your steak, fish, eggs or vegetables.

]]>https://draxe.com/recipe/bearnaise-sauce/feed/1Cobb Salad Recipe With Avocado Dressinghttps://draxe.com/recipe/cobb-salad-recipe/
https://draxe.com/recipe/cobb-salad-recipe/#commentsThu, 18 Jan 2018 18:00:31 +0000I think one of the biggest misconceptions about eating a healthy (and gluten-free) diet is that it’s full of boring, unfulfilling and tasteless meals. But it’s always been a passion of mine to get creative with recipes and make healthful eating fun. That’s how you keep healthy living going for the long haul. One of... Read more »

]]>I think one of the biggest misconceptions about eating a healthy (and gluten-free) diet is that it’s full of boring, unfulfilling and tasteless meals. But it’s always been a passion of mine to get creative with recipes and make healthful eating fun. That’s how you keep healthy living going for the long haul.

One of my favorite dishes to experiment with is salad because it’s the best way to get a nutrient-dense and energy-boosting meal into your day. But the key to preparing a salad is making sure it’s going to be satisfying and filling. You do that by layering a variety of ingredients, and making sure to get some healthy fats, complex carbohydrates and protein in there too.

That’s exactly what I did with this cobb salad recipe. Unlike your traditional cobb salad that includes pork bacon and unhealthy salad dressing, my recipe calls for beef bacon and a homemade salad dressing that will you blow you away. Like my kale caesar salad and watermelon feta salad, this gluten-free and healthy cobb salad recipe will keep you feeling full and energized, and you’ll enjoy every bite too.

How Healthy Is Cobb Salad?

Here’s the thing about cobb salads — they aren’t all created equal. Some recipes call for pork bacon, blue cheese and dressings that are made with mayonnaise, poor-quality oils and too much salt. In these cases, a cobb salad isn’t your most healthful option. But there are ways to make cobb salads nutrient-dense and figure-friendly.

In preparing my cobb salad, I opt for beef bacon. I choose to avoid pork because they are scavenger animals that can harbor common viruses and parasites. I think beef bacon is a much healthier, and just as delicious, option for your cobb salad.

I’m also a fan of using goat cheese because it’s easier to digest and doesn’t lead to inflammation. Plus, it has a creamy texture that pairs perfectly with the avocado and hard-boiled egg in cobb salad.

Another element of my cobb salad recipe that makes it healthier than most recipes out there is my homemade dressing that’s made with the perfect combination of goat milk yogurt, avocado, avocado oil, jalapeño, cilantro, chipotle powder and lime. Whoa! This dressing has a bit of a kick, and it takes this salad up a notch with its creamy texture and layered flavor. It really makes this salad so satisfying, and much healthier than using store-bought dressings that contain hidden ingredients. In fact, I’d label store-bought salad dressings as one of the worst condiments out there, so getting creative with your own concoctions is the way to go!

]]>https://draxe.com/recipe/cobb-salad-recipe/feed/1Hungarian Goulash (Gulyás) Recipe: A Traditional Beef Stew With Paprikahttps://draxe.com/recipe/hungarian-goulash/
https://draxe.com/recipe/hungarian-goulash/#commentsTue, 16 Jan 2018 18:00:44 +0000What do you get when you combine tender grass-fed beef with delicious vegetables, herbs, spices and noodles? In this case, you end up with some mouth-watering Hungarian goulash! That’s right, this is a slow cooker Hungarian goulash recipe so get ready for minimal work yet loads of flavor. Could this turn out to be the best Hungarian goulash... Read more »

]]>What do you get when you combine tender grass-fed beef with delicious vegetables, herbs, spices and noodles? In this case, you end up with some mouth-watering Hungarian goulash! That’s right, this is a slow cooker Hungarian goulash recipe so get ready for minimal work yet loads of flavor. Could this turn out to be the best Hungarian goulash recipe you’ve ever tasted? Give it a try today and find out! What Is Goulash? Goulash can be defined as a stew of meat and vegetables seasoned with paprika and other spices. Goulash has Hungarian origins, which is why it’s often referred to as Hungarian goulash. To this day, it remains a popular dish in Central Europe. (1) Authentic Hungarian goulash is said to have first been consumed by Magyar shepherds in Hungary in the 9th century. Back then, goulash or Hungarian gulyás, was dried in the sun and stored in bags made from sheep’s stomach so the shepherds could easily transport it around with them. When they were ready to eat the Hungarian goulash again, they would simply add water to it. It was the perfect way for them to have this hearty soup/stew delight on hand. The signature spice of more recent goulash recipes is paprika, but this spice made from Capsicum annuum peppers actually did not exist until the 18th century. (2) This Hungarian goulash recipe is for Hungarian beef goulash, but you can also use other meats like free-range chicken to make Hungarian goulash recipes. Centuries ago, they most certainly did not have the kitchen tools (such as a slow cooker) that make this recipe so easy and delicious. This slow cooker Hungarian goulash is perfect for weekly meal planning and is especially comforting and delicious during the colder months. Hungarian Goulash Nutrition Facts This recipe for Hungarian goulash contains about: (3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25) 238 calories 19 grams protein 8 grams fat 20.3 grams carbohydrate 6.8 grams fiber 7.5 grams sugar 35 milligrams cholesterol 414 milligrams sodium 42,754 IUs vitamin A (over 100 percent DV) 53.4 milligrams vitamin C (59 percent DV) 3.7 milligrams iron (21 percent DV) 0.1 milligrams riboflavin (7.7 percent DV) 245 milligrams potassium (5.2 percent DV) 2 micrograms selenium (3.6 percent DV) 12 milligrams magnesium (2.9 percent DV) 26 milligrams phosphorus (2.1 percent DV) For this Hungarian goulash slow cooker recipe, you can go the extra mile and make my beef bone broth recipe for the key liquid component of this stew. It’s possible to buy high-quality bone broth in stores these days, but making homemade bone broth is so delicious. How to Make Hungarian Goulash For this recipe, you’ll need a slow cooker. These devices use moist heat to cook food over a long period of time and are the perfect choice for tender meat and an overall flavor-packed goulash. To prep for this recipe, cut up the potatoes, red pepper, tomatoes, garlic and onions as specified. Also, make sure to de-stem the whole mushrooms. Now you’re ready to braise the beef, deglaze the pan with wine and then simply throw everything into one pot for a low and slow cooking session. In a large pan over medium-high heat, braise the beef in avocado oil with both paprikas, nutmeg, coriander, cloves, garlic, bay leaves, thyme, mustard, salt and pepper. This should take about five to 10 minutes, or until slightly brown. Add wine (I highly recommend using organic wine) to deglaze the pan. Have all of the veggies rinsed, cut and ready to go. Add the raw veggies to the slow cooker. Add the tomato paste. Add the braised beef. Last but not least, add the hearty beef bone broth. Once everything is in the slow cooker, cook on low for six to eight hours. Serve over your favorite gluten-free noodles. And your goulash is ready to enjoy!

]]>https://draxe.com/recipe/hungarian-goulash/feed/3Vegetarian Pozole Verde Recipe With Fava Beanshttps://draxe.com/recipe/vegetarian-pozole-verde/
https://draxe.com/recipe/vegetarian-pozole-verde/#commentsFri, 12 Jan 2018 18:37:49 +0000In my opinion, you can never have too many recipes for soups and stews. One of my favorites on my current menu rotation is pozole verde. This Mexican vegetarian stew hits all the right notes and is ready in just over half an hour. Get ready to fall in love with my pozole verde recipe.... Read more »

]]>In my opinion, you can never have too many recipes for soups and stews. One of my favorites on my current menu rotation is pozole verde. This Mexican vegetarian stew hits all the right notes and is ready in just over half an hour. Get ready to fall in love with my pozole verde recipe.

What is Pozole Verde?

Have you heard of pozole verde before? It’s not as common at Mexican restaurants as, say, tacos. But it’s become a new favorite at my house.

Pozole likely originated in the Mexican state of Guerrero, though it’s eaten throughout the country. You’ll often find it at large family gatherings, since you can make a big ole pot of it and serve a lot of people. It’s pronounced “po-sol-e,” and the name gives you a clue as to what the dish is — pozole is the Aztec word for hominy.

While there are many variations of pozole, the one thing that never changes is that hominy is a main ingredient. If you’ve never eaten or cooked with hominy before, you’re in for a treat. Hominy is essentially whole corn kernels that have been soaked in an alkaline solution to get rid of the hull and sometimes the germ.

The soaking process causes hominy to swell in size — it’s much larger than a normal corn kernel — and really dials up the flavor. Rather than detract from hominy’s nutritional value, nixtamalization, as the soaking process is called, actually improves hominy’s nutritional value by making it easier for the body to absorb the vitamins. (1)

Once the hominy’s soaked, it can be ground up, either to make grits or masa for tortillas. It can also be dried, similar to beans, or cooked and canned. If you purchase dried hominy, you can prepare it the same way you would dried beans.

Hominy really makes pozole, but the color of the stew changes depending on what ingredients are in it. Most contain pork along with the hominy, but some use chicken. In veggie versions like this pozole verde recipe, beans are substituted for the meat. Pozole verde, or “green hominy,” gets its hue from the tomatillos, jalapeños and spinach we’ll add in, but there are also red and white variations of the stew. Pozole blanco eliminates red and green salsas and chilies, while pozole rojo uses strong red ones.

Traditional toppings included hot sauce, cilantro, avocado, sour cream, corn chips and, of course, a squeeze of fresh lime over it all. It’s basically a taco bowl in the form of a stew!

So let’s talk about this particular pozole verde recipe. To make things quicker, I’ve opted for a 25-ounce can of hominy to make this an easy weeknight recipe, but if preparing dried hominy tickles your fancy, you can do that. Fava beanswill take the place of the pork traditionally used in pozole verde.

We’re also going to add in poblano peppers, tomatillos, jalapeño and cabbage, which are all going to add some serious flavor to our vegetable broth. I’ve listed some options for garnishes, but this pozole is begging for a condiments station where each person can customize their bowl to their liking.

Pozole Verde Nutrition Facts

As far as nutrition goes, here’s how a serving of pozole verde stacks up:

]]>https://draxe.com/recipe/vegetarian-pozole-verde/feed/1Calabacitas Recipe: A Flavorful New Mexican Zucchini Dishhttps://draxe.com/recipe/calabacitas/
https://draxe.com/recipe/calabacitas/#commentsThu, 11 Jan 2018 18:00:59 +0000Have you ever tried calabacitas? It’s commonly served as a side dish in New Mexico, but when you add plenty of veggies, beans and a source of high-quality protein, this dish becomes a healthy and fulfilling meal. I absolutely love preparing my own Mexican and New Mexican dishes because they contain healthy fats, plenty of... Read more »

]]>Have you ever tried calabacitas? It’s commonly served as a side dish in New Mexico, but when you add plenty of veggies, beans and a source of high-quality protein, this dish becomes a healthy and fulfilling meal.

I absolutely love preparing my own Mexican and New Mexican dishes because they contain healthy fats, plenty of protein and, when you use the right ingredients, satisfying complex carbohydrates. My huevos rancheros recipe and chicken enchilada recipe, for example, are delicious and loaded with nutrients that will leave you feeling energized and full for hours. I get the same feeling from my calabactias recipe, which is why it’s one of my go-to dishes during any season.

What Are Calabacitas?

Calabacitas is a traditional New Mexican dish that’s made with squash, corn and peppers. In Spanish, the word calabacita means “zucchini,” so clearly zucchini is the staple ingredient, but there are a number of calabacitas varieties out there. Some are made with cheese, some call for pork or other types of meat and some just include a combination of vegetables.

For my calabacitas, I use a mix of veggies like squash, corn, shallots, roasted red pepper, radishes, avocado and spinach, along with chickpeas and cauliflower rice. This makes my version vegetarian-friendly and gluten-free. Plus, you are getting plenty of healthy fats and immune-boosting nutrients like vitamin C and vitamin A.

What makes my calabacitas unique is the use of gluten-free cauliflower riceinstead of grains. Cauliflower is a cruciferous vegetable, just like broccoli, kale and cabbage. Did you know that people have been cooking with cauliflower since around 600 B.C.? It first appeared in Asia and then became popular in the Mediterranean region. Today, cauliflower is used in nearly every type of cuisine, and cooking with cauliflower rice has become a popular way to keep meals free of gluten, while keeping the texture of grains in your dish.

The other star ingredients in my calabacitas are zucchini and yellow squash. These two veggies are closely related and boast a ton of health benefits. Did you know that a fully ripe zucchini can grow to be as big as a baseball bat? In fact, when we buy zucchini in the grocery store, they are still considered “immature,” but once they are cooked down with avocado oil (which I use in this recipe), they become soft and tasty.

The combination of these ingredients make for a comforting, hearty and satiating calabacitas recipe. And it’s super easy to prepare; it just takes about 20 minutes to chop the veggies and cook them down. It’s simple enough to prepare on a busy weeknight when you would be tempted to go for something a little less healthy.

Calabacitas Nutrition Facts

One serving of my calabacitas made using this recipe contains roughly the following: (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)

Now heat a large pan over medium heat and add 2 tablespoons of avocado oil.

Once the oil is heated, add in your chopped veggies and herbs.

Then add in 1 teaspoon cumin, ¼ teaspoon chipotle, 1 teaspoon salt and 1 teaspoon pepper. Let everything cook down for about 10 minutes until the veggies become soft.

Now for the fun part. You are going to begin layering your ingredients to create your calabacitas. Lay out the number of bowls you need and divide up 2 cups of riced cauliflower at the bottom of each bowl.

Then add in your spinach, layering it right on top of the cauliflower rice.

Next to the spinach put a scoop of your veggie and herb mixture. Then add in a spoonful of chickpeas.

Now add a few slices of lime and avocado to each bowl; slice two small radishes to add in too.

The last food to add right in the middle of each bowl is a poached egg. It’s so easy to make poached eggs. Just add about a teaspoon of vinegar to water, bring it to a simmer and break the egg into a small bowl and gently slide it into the water. It only takes about 2 to 3 minutes for the egg whites to become firm.

The finishing touch is to add a touch of hot sauce to each bowl, if you like a little extra heat.

]]>https://draxe.com/recipe/calabacitas/feed/1Buddha Bowl With Flank Steak and Cashew Saucehttps://draxe.com/recipe/buddha-bowl/
https://draxe.com/recipe/buddha-bowl/#commentsSat, 06 Jan 2018 18:00:07 +0000Have you ever heard the term “Buddha bowl”? The first time I did, I wasn’t sure what to think. Was it a Buddhist tradition I hadn’t heard of before or something like switchel, a drink that flew under the radar for years until hipsters revived it? As it turns out, it’s neither and yet both.... Read more »

]]>Have you ever heard the term “Buddha bowl”? The first time I did, I wasn’t sure what to think. Was it a Buddhist tradition I hadn’t heard of before or something like switchel, a drink that flew under the radar for years until hipsters revived it?

As it turns out, it’s neither and yet both. A Buddha bowl isn’t a political statement or something difficult and finicky to make. Instead, it’s a fun, easy way of eating that’s become one of my favorite ways of whipping up meals when I’m short on time but still want something delicious and creative.

What Is a Buddha Bowl?

But first things first: what is a Buddha bowl? You may have come across a Buddha bowl recipe on a café menu or seen them floating around Pinterest. Initially, the name “Buddha bowl” seems kind of random. But the folks at Epicurious have tracked down the origins. The cheerful, belly-loving Buddha you’ve likely seen at local takeout places isn’t actually Buddha at all; he’s a monk who lived a good thousand years later. Buddha would’ve been a slim guy who was too preoccupied with keeping himself feeling zen than focusing on his meals. (1)

He did, however, wander through the streets in the morning of whatever village he was hanging out in, carrying a big bowl. As he went past, locals would drop food in it as their donation and he’d eventually eat whatever was in the bowl. That’s right … This was the OG Buddha bowl.

I love this type of recipe because, let’s face it ­— meals are just more fun in a bowl! And while I’ve got my acai bowl and smoothie bowl recipes down pat, Buddha bowls sans Buddha are newer on the scene. They do, however, share similarities with other recipes that have become popular recently.

Are Buddha bowls the same as macro bowls? Not quite, although they share a lot of similarities. Like macro bowls, Buddha bowls usually have a mixture of complex carbohydrates, protein and healthy fats. But on a macrobiotic diet, which is where macro bowls are derived from, you steer clear of meat and eggs. With a Buddha bowl, you can certainly eliminate those ingredients if you’d like, but it’s not a strict rule.

Buddha bowls are also similar to protein bowls which — as you may have guessed — are heavy on the protein side of things. But often, protein bowls go really light on the carbohydrates, even the good-for-you complex kind of carbs.

Buddha bowls, instead, are a little bit of all the different types of bowls. The good thing is there’s no hard and fast Buddha bowl recipe. Instead, it’s more of a concept. Buddha bowl recipes typically contain veggies, some sort of bean, a grain and a protein source. Because of how fluid Buddha bowls can be, they’re very easily customizable for all sorts of diets, including vegan and vegetarian.

Making Buddha bowls can be a great way to stretch your food budget, too. When building a Buddha bowl, sticking to fresh, seasonal veggies means you can get more bang for your buck. I love opting for a variety of colors and textures — crispy carrots with softer spinach, for example, or crisp bell peppers paired with chewy peas.

The beans included in Buddha bowl recipes mean you’re getting extra fiber and protein cheaply; lentils, chickpeas and black beans are favorites. For grains, you can really get creative. There’s brown rice, of course, but here you could use quinoa, barley, millet or any other ancient grain.

While you can definitely keep your Buddha bowls meat-free, if you aren’t vegetarian, adding meat is a good way to bulk up the bowl and add some extra flavor. If you have leftovers in the fridge, a Buddha bowl is a great way to use them up, too. And finally, a great dressing pulls the whole thing together for an Instagram-worthy, great-tasting Buddha bowl.

If you’re confident in the kitchen, Buddha bowls are a nice way to get your inner chef out. But if you need a little guidance, this Buddha bowl recipe is an easy way to ease into the whole thing. Once you get the hang of this bowl, it’s likely you’ll branch out and make your own creations!

Buddha Bowl Nutrition Facts

This Buddha bowl recipe is brimming with healthy ingredients — in each bowl, you’re getting barley, sweet potatoes, steak, eggs, broccolini, lentils, spinach and more. The dairy-free cashew dressing that’s drizzled over it all will have you wishing you had a bigger bowl. Here’s what you’ll get in each Buddha bowl, including the dressing:

How to Make This Buddha Bowl Recipe

Spread the sweet potatoes and broccolini on a baking sheet and coat with the avocado oil, salt and pepper. Stick the baking sheet in the oven for 20 minutes.

While the veggies roast, combine the sesame oil, garlic, beef and sesame seeds in a pan over medium heat. Cook until the steak reaches your desired color of doneness, or 8–10 minutes.

It’s time to make the dressing next. Add all of the cashew sauce ingredients into a small bowl, stirring until they’re well-combined.

When the veggies are roasted, the steak is cooked and the dressing is complete, it’s time to start building your bowl! Divide all of the ingredients evenly among the bowls. I like putting the grains on the bottom and building up from there …

I save the more delicate ingredients, like the carrots and steak, for the top.

And of course, place the egg on top so you get that beautiful yolk running over the bowl when you cut into it!

When you’ve assembled your Buddha bowl to your liking, finish it off with the cashew dressing.

]]>https://draxe.com/recipe/buddha-bowl/feed/18Chicken Liver Pate Recipehttps://draxe.com/recipe/chicken-liver-pate-recipe/
https://draxe.com/recipe/chicken-liver-pate-recipe/#commentsThu, 04 Jan 2018 18:00:26 +0000Did you know that liver can be considered a superfood? It may not be a leafy green or wild berry, but liver is one of the most nutrient-dense foods on the planet. So, if you’ve been wondering if liver is good for you, the simple answer is absolutely! The thought of eating liver may not... Read more »

]]>Did you know that liver can be considered a superfood? It may not be a leafy green or wild berry, but liver is one of the most nutrient-dense foods on the planet. So, if you’ve been wondering if liver is good for you, the simple answer is absolutely!

The thought of eating liver may not be so appealing to you, but that’s because you’ve never tried my chicken liver pate. It’s a quick and easy recipe I make at home all the time. And it really tastes amazing, especially when you pair it with a gluten-free crostini, sourdough bread, cucumber slices or even fermented vegetables.

So if you’re open-minded and adventurous enough to try eating liver, blend up this chicken liver pate. And did I mention that it’s completely gluten-free and can be considered a keto diet recipe? Give it a try and let me know what you think!

How Do You Eat Pate?

If you’re hesitant about trying chicken liver pate, or any type of pate for that matter, keep it mind that its accompaniments can make for a much more enjoyable experience. Pate is rich in flavor and may even be described as gamey, so it works best when it’s spread on a gluten-free crostini or sourdough bread. A crusty, crunchy piece of bread goes perfectly with pate because of the textural contrast of the two foods.

I also love pairing my pate with fermented vegetables, like pickles or pickled red cabbage. The acidity and crunchy texture of these veggies go well with the spreadable pate.

And, of course, pate tastes better with some butter, which is why I like to add grass-fed butter as a top layer of my chicken liver pate. I also add rosemary, thyme, garlic and shallots when preparing my chicken liver pate to give it a more well-rounded and pleasing taste.

Did you know thatthyme belongs to the mint family? It contains thymol, which gives it antiseptic properties and makes thyme a popular ingredient in mouth washes and hand sanitizers. It has a subtle minty flavor and pairs well with meat dishes.

And I chose to useshallots in my chicken liver pate recipe because it adds a sweet and pungent flavor to the mix. Shallots are part of the onion family, and they are considered an important plant in medicinal Indian practices, like Ayurvedic medicine.

With the right combination of ingredients and accompaniments, you will be surprised how much you enjoy the taste of chicken liver pate. It’s rich in flavor and makes for the perfect appetizer or lighter meal.

Chicken Liver Pate Nutrition Facts

One serving of my chicken liver pate made using this recipe contains roughly the following: (1, 2, 3, 4)

]]>https://draxe.com/recipe/chicken-liver-pate-recipe/feed/2Borscht Recipe: A Hearty Vegan Beet Souphttps://draxe.com/recipe/borscht-recipe/
https://draxe.com/recipe/borscht-recipe/#respondTue, 02 Jan 2018 18:00:12 +0000During wintertime, there’s nothing better than digging into a bowl of warm, nourishing soup. When I want one that’s filling, easy to prepare and vegan, one of my favorites is this borscht recipe. What is Borscht? If you ask someone from Eastern Europe, it’s likely that they’ll tell you borscht originated from their country. Poland,... Read more »

]]>During wintertime, there’s nothing better than digging into a bowl of warm, nourishing soup. When I want one that’s filling, easy to prepare and vegan, one of my favorites is this borscht recipe.

What is Borscht?

If you ask someone from Eastern Europe, it’s likely that they’ll tell you borscht originated from their country. Poland, Russia and Ukraine all claim borscht, although most borscht scholars (that’s totally a thing, right?) believe that borscht was “invented” in Ukraine, where it spread to surrounding Baltic and Slavic countries, most likely thanks to Russia’s influence and presence in the region.

“Borscht” is a Yiddish word, but it’s derived from an old Slavic word for a hogweed plant, bursci, which was the main ingredient in a soup that would’ve been the precursor to borscht. (1) That soup was made from pickled hogweeds. While beets later replaced hogweeds in borscht, the pickled aspect remains, as borscht is traditionally tart.

Borscht doesn’t include fancy ingredients. It was never intended as a fancy dish; in fact, it was a poor man’s soup — a way to make a hearty meal out of whatever was on hand. Beets grow freely and abundantly in Ukraine, so it makes sense that beets wound up being one of the main ingredients.

Borscht didn’t take on outside of Eastern Europe until Russian emperors began hiring French chefs to cook for them. These chefs, who learned how to make borscht in order to prepare it for their employers, eventually took the dish back to France, where it was cautiously greeted by the public.

Stateside, borscht made its way over the Atlantic by way of Eastern European Jews, who brought their borscht soup recipes along with them. A region of Upstate New York even became known as “the Borscht Belt.” Jewish-Americans would flock to the area, which had Jewish-owned resorts and restaurants, because many anti-Semitic establishments refused service to Jews. Borscht was one of the most popular dishes these places served, and offered a link to the home country. (2)

It’s hard to pin down a “traditional” borscht recipe, because each country has its own spin and, in fact, each chef has their own way of mixing it up. Some borsht recipes have cabbage, while others contain potatoes. Some are vegetarian, while others are heavy on the meat. In a winter borscht, a flavorful broth, a sour taste and a lovely red color, thanks to the beets, are typical characteristics.

You’ll notice I said “winter.” There are versions of borscht that are meant to be served cool, as a refreshing respite from summer heat. Like I mentioned earlier — there’s no “traditional” borscht!

Today, borscht continues to be a popular dish in Eastern Europe, and I think you’ll enjoy this modern spin on it.

This easy borscht recipe uses beets, so the soup will have that gorgeous color associated with borscht. We’ll also add parsnips and a heap of seasonings, including Dijon mustard, tarragon, garlic and red wine, for a deliciously flavorful vegetarian borscht.

This recipe doesn’t have some of the heartier root veggies that other borscht recipes do, like potatoes. Instead, to give this borscht some staying power and nutrients, I’m using lentils and chickpeas. Not only do these ingredients keep the borscht true to its “poor man” roots — both ingredients are easy on the wallet — but they’re full of fiber and other nutrients, making this borscht a seriously healthy recipe.

How to Make This Borscht Recipe

Before getting started, there is a little prep that will make this borscht recipe even easier to make. Chop up the beets and parsnips, along with the fresh tarragon. Using dried? Substitute 1 teaspoon instead.

You’ll need already cooked lentils for this recipe, so you can make those ahead of time or use some that are leftover from another recipe. Finally, you’ll need a food processor to blend the veggies into a broth, so pull that out ahead of time. Now you’re ready to make this beet borscht recipe!

Start by heating a large pan over medium heat. Sauté the garlic, tarragon, cayenne, salt and pepper for about 5 minutes.

Add in the remaining ingredients, except the lentils and chickpeas, and bring to a boil.

Let the mixture simmer on a medium-low temperature for 20 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened. Discard the bay leaves here, and remove the pan from heat.

With a slotted spoon, scoop the veggies into a food processor.

Add the vegetable mixture back into the pot, then add in the chickpeas and lentils. Stir to combine the broth with the beans.

Serve this borscht recipe warm.

If you want, you can top your bowl off with a dollop of plain coconut yogurt or coconut cream.

]]>https://draxe.com/recipe/borscht-recipe/feed/0Chicken Scarpariello With Sausage and Peppers Recipehttps://draxe.com/recipe/chicken-scarpariello/
https://draxe.com/recipe/chicken-scarpariello/#respondSat, 30 Dec 2017 18:00:35 +0000Looking for a healthier take on the classic sausage and peppers recipe? This chicken scarpariello dish has both chicken breasts and chicken sausages and is overflowing with delicious flavor. Of course, I recommend using organic, free-range chicken products, which I personally think taste better in addition to being healthier options overall. This chicken scarpariello with... Read more »

]]>Looking for a healthier take on the classic sausage and peppers recipe? This chicken scarpariello dish has both chicken breasts and chicken sausages and is overflowing with delicious flavor. Of course, I recommend using organic, free-range chicken products, which I personally think taste better in addition to being healthier options overall. This chicken scarpariello with sausage recipe takes less than an hour to make and can feed at least six people. It’s a perfect choice if you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing dish that only requires one pot and minimal effort. Before we dive into the how-to’s of this recipe, what is chicken scarpariello exactly? What is Chicken Scarpariello? Chicken scarpariello is often misprounounced and misspelled “chicken scarpiello.” Regardless of whether you say it or spell it right, this classic dish is known for being rich and satisfying. Chicken scarpariello definition: an Italian-American dish that typically includes chicken with onions, peppers, hot pickled peppers and Italian sausage in a sweet, spicy and sour pan sauce. (1) So what usually makes scarpariello sauce so complex and interesting? Key ingredients include things like garlic, white cooking wine (I recommend organic wine), olive oil and chicken broth (extra points for using a homemade chicken bone broth). Want to know a fun chicken scarpariello fact? It actually means “shoemaker-style” in Italian. One theory on this strange meaning is that it refers to Neapolitan shoemakers making delicious food in the little time they had at the end of the day. Typically, chicken scarpariello is considered an Italian-American dish because it’s not a traditional dish in Italy yet it clearly has Italian roots. (2) Wondering what to make alongside this protein-rich recipe? Many people often pair chicken scarpariello with pasta. If you’re avoiding gluten, you can always try my gluten-free Tuscan pasta recipe. Chicken scarpariello with potatoes is also a great idea. This recipe already has nutrient-rich vegetables in it like orange bell pepper and okra as well as some tasty mushrooms. Okra is definitely a unique addition, but it really goes so well with the scarpariello sauce … Plus, I always like to include vegetables in my recipes as much as possible! Chicken Scarpariello Nutrition Facts One serving of this mouthwatering chicken scarpariello recipe contains about: (3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18) 236 calories 23 grams protein 9.3 grams fat 5.5 grams carbohydrates 1.2 grams fiber 1.5 grams sugar 1,106 milligrams sodium 25 milligrams cholesterol 1,138 IUs vitamin A (126 percent percent DV) 40 milligrams vitamin C (44 percent DV) 1.6 milligrams iron (8.9 percent DV) 0.1 milligrams riboflavin (7.7 percent DV) 7.6 micrograms vitamin K (6.3 percent DV) 1.2 IUs vitamin D (6 percent DV) 0.1 milligrams vitamin B6 (6 percent DV) 0.8 milligrams niacin (5 percent DV) 183 milligrams potassium (3.9 percent DV) 15 micrograms folate (3.8 percent DV) 15 milligrams magnesium (3.6 percent DV) 40 milligrams calcium (3 percent DV) 0.3 milligrams zinc (2.7 percent DV) 34 milligrams phosphorus (2.7 percent DV) How to Make Chicken Scarpariello Before you get started with chopping up a few of the ingredients, make sure your oven is preheating to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. The first step (and such an important one for a successful chicken scarpariello recipe) is to brown the chicken breasts and chicken sausage. This is going to add a lot of flavor to the dish and also ultimately make the texture of the meats just right. After you’re done browning the meat, you’re going to add all the veggies. Once they’re softened, you can remove them and deglaze the pan with the wine and broth. Make sure to scrape the bottom of the pan so you end up with the most flavorful scarpariello sauce possible. Last, you’ll put everything back into the pan to bake for about a half hour. Not very hard at all, right? But just wait until you taste how delicious the final product is going to be! Let’s get started. In a large oven-safe pan over medium-high heat, warm up the avocado oil. Brown chicken and sausage separately and then remove when braised but not fully cooked. Turn heat to medium and add the garlic, peppers, mushrooms, shallots, okra, oregano and sage. Add sea salt and black pepper. Sauté the veggies until they are soft (about 15 minutes). Add wine and chicken broth to deglaze the pan. Scrape the bottom of the pan with a wooden spatula to incorporate the flavors. Place chicken breasts and chicken sausage on top of the veggies and bake in the oven for 30 minutes. Allow to rest 10 minutes before serving. Then you can dig in and enjoy!

]]>Have you ever heard of a pizookie? If not, you’re in for a real treat. Think dark chocolate, cacao powder, hazelnuts, ice cream and a homemade butterscotch sauce. Um, yes. My pizookie is completely gluten-free, and it includes natural sweeteners like coconut sugar and healthy fats like coconut butter. I put this recipe up there with my dark chocolate souffle recipe and my molten lava cake because they are all decadent, gooey, rich and super tasty. So if you’re looking to feed (and impress) the whole family or a group of friends, give this pizookie recipe a try. What Is a Pizookie? A pizookie is exactly what the name implies: a pizza-cookie that’s usually topped with a scoop of ice cream. Basically, it’s a giant chocolate cookie that can be cut into slices and served to your friends or family. There are many ways to go about making a pizookie. Really, you can use just about any cookie dough, but I chose to make a soft and gooey dark chocolate cookie. I also added chopped hazelnuts for a little surprise taste and texture when you bite into the cookie. Hazelnuts have an earthy flavor and are commonly used for making coffee and pastries. When combined with dark chocolate, they bring out the rich and decadent flavor. Just think about the very popular Nutella spread made with these two ingredients. As always, my desserts are made with gluten-free flours that are easier to digest and healthier for your gut. For my pizookie recipe, I use Paleo flour, which is a combination of nut flours and root starches like almond flour, coconut flour, arrowroot starch and tapioca flour. Using nut flours in your baking also adds a unique nutty flavor and texture I think compliments dark chocolate and vanilla ice cream really well. Another interesting twist in my pizookie recipe is the creamy butterscotch sauce that you drizzle on top of the ice cream. Whoa — this adds a flavorful punch to this dessert! I use a combination of coconut sugar, coconut butter and coconut cream instead of using the traditional ingredients like brown sugar and heavy whipping cream. Did you know that coconut butter is really just ground up coconut meat? So really, you’re getting all of those awesome coconut benefits from using coconut butter instead of plain butter in this recipe. Pizookie Nutrition Facts One serving of my pizookie made using this recipe contains roughly the following: (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6) 429 calories 3.5 grams protein 29 grams fat 41 grams carbohydrates 3 grams fiber 14 grams sugar 1.5 milligrams manganese (85 percent DV) 0.3 milligrams copper (41 percent DV) 429 milligrams sodium (29 percent DV) 1.6 milligrams zinc (20 percent DV) 41 milligrams magnesium (13 percent DV) 89 milligrams phosphorus (13 percent DV) 2 milligrams iron (11 percent DV) 1.13 milligrams vitamin E (8 percent DV) 3.6 micrograms selenium (7 percent DV) 0.3 milligrams vitamin B5 (6 percent DV) 0.05 milligrams vitamin B1 (5 percent DV) 0.05 milligrams vitamin B2 (5 percent DV) 0.06 milligrams vitamin B6 (5 percent DV) 222 milligrams potassium (5 percent DV) 43 milligrams calcium (4 percent DV) 17 micrograms folate (4 percent DV) 0.09 micrograms vitamin B12 (4 percent DV) 0.38 milligrams vitamin B3 (3 percent DV) How to Make a Pizookie To begin making this delicious pizookie, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Then, in a medium-sized bowl, combine ½ cup coconut sugar, ¾ cup coconut oil that’s solid at room temperature and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Next, add two eggs and mix the ingredients until everything is well-combined. The next step is to add the dry ingredients, which includes 2 cups Paleo flour, ½ teaspoon baking soda, ¼ cup either cocoa or cacao powder (which is made by grinding cacao nibs) and ½ teaspoon sea salt. Once you’ve mixed the dry and wet ingredients until they’re all well-combined, add in ½ cup dark chocolate chips and ½ cup chopped hazelnuts. To bake your pizookie, you’ll need a greased circular pan. Simply drop your mixture into the pan. Then spread the dough evenly. You want the dough to be flat all the way around, just like a pizza. Okay, now bake your dough for 12 to 15 minutes and get started on your butterscotch sauce. To make the sauce, you’ll need a small saucepan on medium heat. Combine ½ cup coconut sugar and ¼ cup coconut butter. Keep whisking the butter and sugar to prevent it from burning. When your sauce starts to look like a caramel paste, bring the temperature down to medium-low for about 5 to 8 minutes. Then add in the remaining ingredients, which includes ½ cup coconut cream, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and 1 teaspoon sea salt. Bring the sauce to a boil on medium heat while continuously whisking. Once it becomes thick like butterscotch, which should take about 8 minutes, remove your sauce from the heat. Alright, your homemade pizookie and butterscotch sauce is ready to go. I’m sure you’re ready to dive in for a taste! The classic way to prepare a pizookie is to top it with ice cream. I think a good quality vanilla ice cream, like my raw vanilla ice cream recipe, goes perfectly with this dark chocolate and hazelnut pizookie, but the flavor is completely up to you. Cut yourself a piece, layer on the ice cream and drizzle your butterscotch sauce right on top. Enjoy!

]]>https://draxe.com/recipe/chocolate-chip-pizookie-recipe/feed/1Tom Kha Gai Recipe: A Thai Coconut Chicken Souphttps://draxe.com/recipe/tom-kha-gai-recipe/
https://draxe.com/recipe/tom-kha-gai-recipe/#commentsSat, 23 Dec 2017 19:29:55 +0000Have you ever tried making a tom kha gai recipe, or maybe another Thai coconut curry soup recipe? When you think of Thai recipes, you probably think of stir fries, but this soup is one of my Thailand favorites! Feeling under the weather or just generally run down? This Thai coconut soup is a hearty... Read more »

]]>Have you ever tried making a tom kha gai recipe, or maybe another Thai coconut curry soup recipe? When you think of Thai recipes, you probably think of stir fries, but this soup is one of my Thailand favorites!

Feeling under the weather or just generally run down? This Thai coconut soup is a hearty and uplifting choice that gives you another option in addition to a more traditional chicken soup recipe. This tom khai gai recipe is the most delicious and comforting blend of sweet, salty and spicy. With a warm, rich and nutrient-dense broth made from chicken stock, coconut milk and fresh lime juice, you’re going to want to make this recipe again and again.

What is Tom Kha Gai?

This tom kha soup is a spicy hot coconut soup. It typically includes key ingredients like coconut milk, limes, ginger, chili peppers, lemongrass, chicken, chicken broth, cilantro and mushrooms. (1) Authentic tom kha gai recipes include galangal and kaffir lime leaves. These are two ingredients that can be hard to find, but you may find a red chili paste that includes both of these delicious ingredients — or try an Asian market as opposed to a conventional grocery store. If not, no worries, because while this isn’t the traditional galangal-lemongrass take on the authentic Thai dish, this tom kha gai recipe is truly bursting with flavor.

Some of the healthy and delicious ingredients used in this tom kha gai recipe worthy of highlighting:

Coconut milk: A Thai coconut soup like this one always includes rich and creamy coconut milk. Choose unsweetened coconut milk, and you’ll keep the sugar content of this Thai coconut milk soup super low (only around 3 grams!). If you can go one step further, choose fresh coconut milk to take the flavor to a whole new level.

Lemongrass: A key citrusy flavoring in Thai cuisine, this soup recipe would not be the same without the inclusion of lemongrass.

Chicken: Opt for organic free-range chicken in this tom kha gai recipe, and you’ll get the highest-quality version of this protein source.

Cilantro: Thanks to red bell pepper and cilantro, this recipe is impressively high in vitamin A.

How to Make This Tom Kha Gai Recipe

First, you’re going to really up the flavor of this soup by letting the fresh ginger and lemongrass steep in the chicken broth. Next, you’ll do some minimal chopping of a few fresh herbs and vegetables. Then everything will go into one pot, and after some cooking time, you’ll have yourself an incredible homemade tom kha gai.

Crush the lemongrass stalks.

In a large pot over medium-low heat, combine broth, lemongrass and ginger. Let it steep for 25 minutes.

Chop the fresh cilantro.

Cut the red pepper into length-wise slices.

Slice the shallot into rounds.

Remove the ginger and lemongrass bits with a strainer.

Add the chicken, shallots, peppers, mushrooms and chili paste and then bring it all to a boil.

Remove from heat and add coconut milk.

Add the fresh lime juice and cilantro.

Serve warm, topped with fresh cilantro.

This recipe feeds about 6–8, so enjoy it with the whole family or have plenty of delicious leftovers.

]]>https://draxe.com/recipe/tom-kha-gai-recipe/feed/2White Chocolate Recipe: A Paleo and Vegan Candyhttps://draxe.com/recipe/white-chocolate-recipe/
https://draxe.com/recipe/white-chocolate-recipe/#commentsSat, 23 Dec 2017 18:00:09 +0000If you’re anything like me, you may have always avoided white chocolate. When I’m at the store choosing chocolate, I always opt for a dark chocolate. I tend to steer clear of milk chocolate and especially white chocolate. But with this white chocolate recipe, I’ve had to rethink my stance on white chocolate! Is White... Read more »

]]>If you’re anything like me, you may have always avoided white chocolate. When I’m at the store choosing chocolate, I always opt for a dark chocolate. I tend to steer clear of milk chocolate and especially white chocolate. But with this white chocolate recipe, I’ve had to rethink my stance on white chocolate!

Is White Chocolate Really Chocolate?

One of the biggest questions people have about white chocolate is, well, what it is. Is white chocolate really chocolate? It’s actually not. See, white chocolate doesn’t contain any cocoa solids, which is what makes up chocolate.

So how do you get white chocolate? To make chocolate, you start with the cocoa bean, which has been removed from its pod, and extract the chocolate nib. The nibs are ground into a paste, called chocolate liquor, but don’t worry — there’s no alcohol involved! At this point, the chocolate liquor can be separated into cocoa solids and cocoa fat, also known as cocoa butter. (1)

Cocoa solids are what give chocolate that delicious flavor, but white chocolate doesn’t contain any. Instead, white chocolate’s major ingredient is flavorless cocoa butter. Additionally, white chocolate only needs to have at least 20 percent of cocoa butter to qualify as white chocolate, according to the FDA. (2)

The rest of white chocolate can be made up of milk, whey, flavorings, emulsifying agents and more. While chocolate has been eaten for centuries, white chocolate is fairly new on the scene. It was invented by the Nestlé company in Switzerland in 1930, but it’s proven to be a hit.

You might ask yourself: How do you color white chocolate? White chocolate’s color is lighter because of the cocoa butter that’s used to make it. Without the cocoa solids that are used in “real” chocolate, white chocolate lacks the dark coloring milk and dark chocolate have.

Real white chocolate isn’t actually white, though; it’s usually a yellowish color. If your white chocolate is super white, it’s likely less of a chocolate and more of a candy.

Is White Chocolate Bad for You?

We know that dark chocolate has some health benefits, but does white chocolate have the same, or is white chocolate bad for you?

White chocolate purchased from the store isn’t your healthiest option. The bulk of white chocolate is sugar and milk, with other additives. But my homemade white chocolate recipe is a bit different. For starters, it’s vegan — we’ll use powered coconut milk instead of cow’s milk to keep it dairy-free.

While we’ll still use cacao butter, soaked cashews will give this white chocolate recipe a deliciously creamy texture without imparting too much of a nutty flavor. We’ll sweeten things up with maple syrup, one of my favorite natural sweeteners, and add extra flavor by using a fresh vanilla bean.

White chocolate is lovely on its own, but it also goes nicely with lemon-flavored treats or on top of soufflés, like this dark chocolate soufflé recipe. This recipe will make about 30–40 pieces of white chocolate. You can keep those for the family to enjoy, of course, but this white chocolate recipe also makes a lovely, simple gift. Tie a few pieces of chocolate together with a nice ribbon and gift to teachers or friends in the neighborhood.

]]>https://draxe.com/recipe/white-chocolate-recipe/feed/5Dry Brine Turkey Recipe With Rosemary-Thyme Herb Butterhttps://draxe.com/recipe/dry-brine-turkey/
https://draxe.com/recipe/dry-brine-turkey/#commentsThu, 21 Dec 2017 18:00:27 +0000Looking for a turkey dry brine that results in some really juicy and savory meat? Look no further than this awesome and easy dry brine turkey recipe. If you’re looking to brine turkey, you have two basic options: dry turkey brine or wet turkey brine. Dry brining a turkey is a lot less of a... Read more »

]]>Looking for a turkey dry brine that results in some really juicy and savory meat? Look no further than this awesome and easy dry brine turkey recipe. If you’re looking to brine turkey, you have two basic options: dry turkey brine or wet turkey brine. Dry brining a turkey is a lot less of a mess and hassle compared to wet brining. Many cooking experts even prefer dry brining turkey, not just because it’s easier, but because it yields superior results to a wet brined turkey (the meat can actually taste watered down). (1) The ingredients in a dry brine for turkey can vary. This dry brined turkey will come out extra tender and delicious thanks to the time it spends soaking in healthy and flavorful ingredients like fresh squeezed orange juice, coconut sugar and antioxidant-rich herbs and spices, including rosemary, thyme and cardamom. Why Do You Brine Meat Before Cooking? You’re probably wondering why it’s even worth bothering with a dry brine for turkey. Brining meat before you cook it is a way to avoid ending up with a dry, tasteless piece of protein in the end. The main goal of brining, whether wet or dry, is to increase the meat’s ability to retain moisture. Brining is also a way to season meat on a higher level. Plus, having meat sit with a salty brine on it helps to break down the proteins resulting in meat that is less chewy and more tender. With a wet brine (the more traditional and tedious brining method), meat must be submerged in a brining liquid in the refrigerator for at least 12 hours. This means you must have a vessel that fits your meat fully submerged. This also means you have to have room for that vessel in your fridge. With a large turkey, we’re talking about a lot space. Dry brining still involves letting the turkey sit, but without all that liquid involved, the whole process feels a lot more straightforward and manageable. Plus, it often results in even tastier results than a wet brine! You can use this turkey dry brine recipe for an entire turkey, or you can use it in a smaller amount for part of the turkey, such as a dry brine turkey breast. Whatever the size of the turkey, it is sure to be delicious and highly nutritious! Dry Brine Turkey Nutrition Facts One serving of this mouth-watering dry brine turkey recipe contains about: (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7) 296 calories 50 grams protein 9.3 grams fat 0 grams carbohydrates 0 grams fiber 0 grams sugars 7.5 milligrams cholesterol 197 milligrams sodium 16.2 milligrams niacin (81 percent DV) 1.1 milligrams vitamin B6 (55 percent DV) 377 milligrams phosphorus (38 percent DV) 4.3 milligrams zinc (29 percent DV) 0.5 milligrams riboflavin (29 percent DV) 1.6 micrograms vitamin B12 (27 percent DV) 50 milligrams magnesium (13 percent DV) 407 milligrams potassium (12 percent DV) 1.8 milligrams iron (10 percent DV) 453 IUs vitamin A (9 percent DV) 0.1 milligrams thiamin (6.7 percent DV) 17 IUs vitamin D (4.3 percent DV) 15.3 micrograms folate (3.8 percent DV) 23 milligrams calcium (2.3 percent DV) Clearly the highlight of this recipe is the bird. Turkey is a truly impressive protein source, loaded with a wide array of crucial vitamins and minerals. It’s especially rich in two key B vitamins — niacin and vitamin B6. Studies have shown that niacin or vitamin B3 can be beneficial when it comes to a variety of major health concerns, including high cholesterol, heart disease and diabetes. (8) What about vitamin B6? This B vitamin is absolutely essential for normal brain function. It aids the body in making the mood-altering hormones serotonin and norepinephrine, as well as melatonin, a hormone that governs wake and sleep cycles. (9) Turkey is also high in something called tryptophan, an amino acid that also helps to regulate sleep. Tryptophan is actually a precursor to the hormone melatonin. A meta-analysis of 19 studies published in 2013 reveals that melatonin can increase total sleep duration, decrease the time it takes to fall asleep and boost sleep quality overall. (10) Looking to sleep better tonight? Bring on that turkey! This dry brine turkey recipe also includes giving the turkey a flavor, nutrient and moisture boost with butter. I recommend using grass-fed butter, rich in vitamin A and butyric acid. What is butyric acid? This lesser known saturated short-chain fatty acid is actually highly impressive when it comes to health, and butter is a top source of it. A study published in the International Journal of Cancer demonstrates butyric acid’s anti-cancer abilities, specifically when it comes to colon cancer. (11) Those are just some of the many health benefits of this recipe. Are you ready to actually make this dry brined turkey?! How to Dry Brine a Turkey Dry brining a turkey isn’t hard even for the most novice of cooks. You basically combine the ingredients, rub them on the turkey, let the turkey sit for a while and then cook it. Hopefully, you’ll have some leftovers so you can make this delicious zesty turkey salad with beans and walnuts recipe. To get started, place the thawed turkey in a roasting pan. Now, you can start making the brine. In a bowl or mortar, combine rosemary, thyme, fennel and one tablespoon of salt. Crush everything together to release the oils in the herbs. After about one minute of crushing, you’re ready to add the sugar, orange juice and remaining salt. Mix until well-combined. Pour the brine onto the turkey and massage it thoroughly into the turkey skin. Cover the turkey and place it in the fridge for at least 24–48 hours to let all that goodness soak in. After the turkey is done brining, brush the brine mixture off the turkey and preheat the oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. In a separate bowl, combine the butter, rosemary, thyme and sage. Mix until gently combined. Now you have your herb-butter mixture you will use to moisten the entire turkey both inside and out. Place half of the butter mixture under the skin of the turkey. As you put the butter underneath the skin, rub it into the meat. Spread the remaining butter on top of the skin until the whole turkey is covered. Place the turkey in the oven for 20 minutes. Meanwhile, chop the remaining veggies small enough to stuff the turkey. Carefully pull the turkey out of the oven and stuff it with the vegetables. Turn the oven down to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and bake for an additional 2–4 hours, or until the thigh is 180 degrees Fahrenheit and the breast is 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Your dry brine turkey is finished! Whether it’s Thanksgiving, Christmas or a simple family dinner, this main course is sure to impress. It pairs well with gravy, but don’t worry, it won’t be even close dry without it. Enjoy!

]]>https://draxe.com/recipe/dry-brine-turkey/feed/1Baked Samosa Recipe: A Vegan, Gluten-Free Appetizer for Your Next Indian Dishhttps://draxe.com/recipe/baked-samosa-recipe/
https://draxe.com/recipe/baked-samosa-recipe/#respondSat, 16 Dec 2017 18:00:07 +0000If you’ve ever eaten an Indian dish (like chicken tikka masala) before, you might have started your meal with an order of samosas. These flaky, deep-fried appetizers are certainly tasty. But, as you might imagine, they aren’t always the healthiest, and you can typically only enjoy them if you dine out ­— unless you try... Read more »

]]>If you’ve ever eaten an Indian dish (like chicken tikka masala) before, you might have started your meal with an order of samosas. These flaky, deep-fried appetizers are certainly tasty. But, as you might imagine, they aren’t always the healthiest, and you can typically only enjoy them if you dine out ­— unless you try the sad frozen variety from the supermarket.

But as it turns out, samosas aren’t too difficult to make, and this homemade samosa recipe means you can chow down on them at any time. As a bonus, this recipe is way healthier than any samosa recipe you’d find at a restaurant.

What Are Samosas?

Versions of samosas exist throughout Asia. In fact, though samosas are linked most closely with India and Pakistan, they actually originated in Central Asia.

The ones usually found in the U.S. are the Indian kind, which are crisp, deep fried and full of fresh herbs. Because so much of India is vegetarian, samosas tend to be too, though meat versions do exist. Samosas are often served as an appetizer or snack with a hot cup of tea.

If you’re avoiding gluten, samosas are generally off limits, as white flour is used. Until now, of course. These veggie samosas are gluten-free, vegetarian and baked instead of deep fried, upping the nutritional content and slashing the calorie count.

These samosas are also rich in vitamin C, thanks to the bell peppers. Vitamin C is necessary for keeping skin healthy, absorbing nutrients and boosting your immune system.

And to keep these gluten-free, we’ll use a mix of tapioca flour and cassava flour. Tapioca flour has almost no nutrients, but it’s really useful when you’re recreating recipes like this one. It helps the samosas get crisp and flaky.

Cassava flour, on the other hand, is an excellent alternative to wheat flours. It has a neutral taste that works in most recipes. Together, these flours work to create a delicious samosa pastry.

How to Make Samosas

So are you ready to make samosas right at home? It’s pretty simple!

Start by preheating the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. While that happens, combine the filling ingredients in a large pan over medium heat. Stir occasionally, cooking until the potatoes and peppers have softened, about 20 minutes.

In a medium-sized bowl, mix all of the wrapper ingredients until they’re well-combined. Then lay parchment paper on a flat surface and sprinkle it with some flour.

Using your hands, roll the dough into 2-inch balls to keep the dough from drying out.

Then, flatten the dough into a 5-inch circle with a rolling pin onto the parchment paper.

Cut each circle in half, creating two samosa wrappers.

Fold the straight edges inward to create a cone shape.

Then dampen your finger with water, and seal the edges together.

Take a spoonful of filling and place some in each of the wrappers.

Gently close the samosas to create a triangle shape.

Bake for 10–15 minutes.

Make them a part of your next Indian meal as an appetizer before a curry or just enjoy them along with a side salad as a main! Serve the samosas alone or with your favorite dipping sauce.

]]>https://draxe.com/recipe/baked-samosa-recipe/feed/0Easy Peppermint Bark Recipe: A Festive Holiday Candyhttps://draxe.com/recipe/peppermint-bark-recipe/
https://draxe.com/recipe/peppermint-bark-recipe/#commentsThu, 14 Dec 2017 18:00:56 +0000Looking for a sweet holiday treat that you can prepare at home? Or maybe you want to make a healthy holiday candy to give away to your friends and family. My peppermint bark recipe contains antioxidant-rich dark chocolate and cocoa butter; plus, its festive colors, that are naturally made with beet juice and spirulina, will... Read more »

]]>Looking for a sweet holiday treat that you can prepare at home? Or maybe you want to make a healthy holiday candy to give away to your friends and family. My peppermint bark recipe contains antioxidant-rich dark chocolate and cocoa butter; plus, its festive colors, that are naturally made with beet juice and spirulina, will definitely get you into the holiday spirit. I love baking with dark chocolate. I’ve used it in a number of recipes, like my dark chocolate coconut clusters recipe and my gooey chocolate crinkle cookies recipe. Good quality dark chocolate that’s 75 percent cacao or higher is an excellent source of antioxidants that help to protect you from disease-causing free radical damage and early signs of aging. My peppermint bark recipe also calls for cacao butter, which is high in antioxidants like polyphenols and flavonoids and contains several types of healthy fatty acids. So if you’re looking to prepare a healthy holiday candy this season, try my peppermint bark recipe. I promise, you won’t be disappointed! A Healthier Holiday Candy I bet you don’t often think about how a holiday candy can improve your immunity when you take that first bite. Well, this peppermint bark is not only delicious, it can also help you to potentially reverse disease, fight infections and reduce signs of aging. Pretty amazing, right? There are a few key ingredients in my peppermint bark that are working to make you healthier. Dark chocolate, coconut oil and cocoa butter contain powerful antioxidants and healthy fats. Eating these foods can help you to fight infections, prevent cardiovascular issues and boost your energy levels. Plus, I use maple syrup as a natural sweetener, and beet juice and spirulina as natural food dyes, so there’s really nothing artificial about this peppermint bark. You can enjoy a piece of this delicious candy without feeling the typical guilt that comes with indulging. Peppermint Bark Nutrition Facts One serving of this peppermint bark recipe contains roughly the following: (1, 2, 3, 4, 5) 543 calories 3 grams protein 53 grams fat 14 grams carbohydrates 2.6 grams fiber 8.6 grams sugar 1,322 IUs vitamin A (57 percent DV) 0.4 milligrams copper (51 percent DV) 0.6 milligrams manganese (35 percent DV) 57 milligrams magnesium (18 percent DV) 2.9 milligrams iron (17 percent DV) 86 milligrams phosphorus (12 percent DV) 0.9 milligrams zinc (11 percent DV) 0.11 milligrams vitamin B2 (11 percent DV) 1.3 milligrams vitamin E (9 percent DV) 5.5 micrograms vitamin K (6 percent DV) 0.15 micrograms vitamin B12 (6 percent DV) 31 IUs vitamin D (5 percent DV) 0.18 milligrams vitamin B5 (4 percent DV) 2.2 micrograms selenium (4 percent DV) 204 milligrams potassium (4 percent DV) 35 milligrams calcium (4 percent DV) 0.35 milligrams vitamin B3 (3 percent DV) 0.02 milligrams vitamin B1 (2 percent DV) Here’s a quick glance at some of the top health benefits associated with the ingredients in this peppermint bark recipe: Peppermint oil: Taking small amounts of peppermint oil internally can soothe digestive issues (like irritative bowel syndrome), fight infections, reduce inflammation and improve mental focus. It has a cooling effect on the body and is often used for its expectorant activity, which means that it can help to clear your sinuses and relieve cold and cough symptoms. Plus, did you know that just the scent of peppermint oil can reduce hunger cravings? If you are using peppermint oil internally for this recipe, be sure to use a high-quality oil that’s 100 percent pure grade. Otherwise, the oil shouldn’t be ingested and you can use peppermint extract for this recipe instead. (6) Cacao butter: Did you know that cacao butter is the fat source that’s used to make chocolate? It’s a healthy fat that’s extracted from the cocoa bean, and it’s loaded with antioxidants. Using cacao butter in your recipes can help to boost your immune system, reduce inflammation and improve the health of your heart. Plus, the antioxidants in cacao butter help to fight signs of aging and can improve the health of your skin. (7) Dark chocolate: When it comes to choosing a sweet treat, dark chocolate may be your healthiest choice. That’s because good quality dark chocolate contains disease-fighting antioxidants that improve the health of your heart and may even help you to prevent cancer. Plus, some other awesome dark chocolate benefits include its ability to improve your cholesterol profile and brain function. (8) Spirulina: Spirulina is a blue-green algae that I use as a natural green food coloring in this peppermint bark recipe. Instead of using synthetic food dyes, spirulina benefits are pretty remarkable. It promotes the detoxification of heavy metals, reduces LDL cholesterol levels, lowers blood pressure, reduces your risk of stroke and boosts your energy levels. (9) How to Make This Peppermint Bark Recipe To begin preparing your peppermint bark, you’ll need a double boiler over medium heat. Melt 3 cups of cocoa butter, 2 tablespoons of powdered coconut milk, 2 tablespoons of maple syrup and about 5 drops of peppermint oil. Let the ingredients come together. This is your white chocolate mixture. Next, you’ll divide it into three bowls so you can add the natural food coloring. In one of your white chocolate bowls, add 1 tablespoon of powdered spirulina. Mix the spirulina in thoroughly until you get your desired green color and it’s evenly distributed. Next, pour the green white chocolate mixture into a dish that’s lined with parchment paper. Then place it in the freezer for about 15 to 20 minutes. Now you’ll take your second bowl of white chocolate and begin making your red white chocolate. Add 1 to 2 tablespoons of fresh beet juice to your white chocolate. Mix it until you get your desired red color and it looks even. If you want the red to be deeper, just add a little more beet juice. Then add your red chocolate to a dish lined with parchment paper and leave it in the freezer for 15 to 20 minutes. While you are waiting on your red and green chocolate mixtures, you can begin prepping your dark chocolate mixture. Add three 3-ounce dark chocolate barks (that are at least 75 percent cacao) to a double boiler. Then add 1 tablespoon of coconut oil, 1 tablespoon of maple syrup and 5 drops of peppermint oil. Combine. Once the ingredients are melted and well-combined, pour the dark chocolate mixture into a lined baking sheet and spread it out evenly. Then pour the remaining white chocolate on top of the dark chocolate mixture. If necessary, reheat the white chocolate so that it spreads over the dark chocolate. Now you can take the red and green chocolate mixtures out of the freezer. Using a knife, break up the red chocolate mixture. You want to make small pieces that will be sprinkled over your peppermint bark. Then do the same thing to your green chocolate mixture. Finally, you get to sprinkle the red and green chocolate pieces on top of the dark and white chocolate. Coat the dish evenly with the red and green pieces. Then place the dish in the freezer for 15 to 20 minutes or until it’s completely solidified. When it comes out of the freezer, break the chocolate apart so it makes about 10 to 15 servings. Enjoy your festive and delicious peppermint bark!

]]>https://draxe.com/recipe/peppermint-bark-recipe/feed/2Christmas Spritz Cookies (With Homemade Food Coloring!)https://draxe.com/recipe/spritz-cookies/
https://draxe.com/recipe/spritz-cookies/#commentsTue, 12 Dec 2017 18:00:08 +0000‘Tis the season for cookies! The holidays are one of my favorite times for baking, and spritz cookies are the perfect treat to make. These yummy cookies are perfect for serving at Christmas parties, leaving out for Santa or giving as gifts. Gluten-free and delicious? I’m in. What is the Origin of Spritz Cookies? Spritz... Read more »

]]>‘Tis the season for cookies! The holidays are one of my favorite times for baking, and spritz cookies are the perfect treat to make. These yummy cookies are perfect for serving at Christmas parties, leaving out for Santa or giving as gifts. Gluten-free and delicious? I’m in. What is the Origin of Spritz Cookies? Spritz cookies are available year-round, but they tend to be most popular during the Christmas season. Spritz cookies most likely originated from Germany; Spritz comes from spritzgebäck, which means “to squirt” in German. It sounds weird, but since a cookie press is used to “squirt” the dough on to a baking sheet, it makes sense. Spritz cookies come in all sorts of shapes thanks to the cookie press discs that are used. If you’re lucky enough to be in Germany during the holidays, you’ll find this cookie all over the Christmas markets. But luckily, you can also make a healthy version right at home. Spritz Cookie Nutrition Facts Traditionally, spritz cookies are made with just a few ingredients: butter, sugar, vanilla, eggs, flour and salt. That would be fine if you just had one, but, trust me, no one has ever had just one spritz cookie! So, I set out to get the same great spritz cookie taste with healthier ingredients, and these gluten-free spritz cookies definitely fit the bill. I’ve replaced plain, all-purpose flour with Paleo flour, making this safe for gluten-free cookie lovers. Instead of butter, I’ve used coconut oil, which adds that smooth, buttery taste without any dairy. It’s great for raising good cholesterol levels and helping keep your heart healthy. (1) Using coconut oil in place of butter also keeps these cookies vegan. This spritz cookies recipe also lightens up the sugar load. Table sugar is tough on the body; it can send blood sugar levels out of whack, which increases your risk of type 2 diabetes and spells disaster if you’re trying to maintain normal blood sugar. (2) So instead, we’re sweetening up this spritz cookie recipe with maple syrup. It ranks lower on the glycemic index and contains extra nutrients, like antioxidants, that regular sugar doesn’t have. When you’re purchasing your syrup, be sure to read the ingredients list. You want to purchase one, ideally organic, that’s only got “pure maple syrup” listed. That means it’s not mixed with high fructose corn syrup or other added sugars. Hint: the pancake syrup sold in most supermarkets is not maple syrup! For extra fiber and protein, I’ve added flaxseed meal, which is just ground-up flax seeds. These small seeds are packed with omega-3 fatty acids, improve digestive health and help you feel full. (3, 4) Finally, you might wonder why you need beet juice and spirulina for this spritz cookie recipe. Well, we’re using these as natural food coloring. Traditional food coloring can be really harmful to your health, so I steer clear of them. Some studies have even linked food dyes to attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children. (5) They can also cause allergic reactions. (6) In fact, one study found that in people with chronic hives, more than half were allergic to food dyes. (7) While the Food and Drug Administration maintains that food dyes aren’t anything to worry about, I’d rather not risk it. Instead, we can give these spritz cookies gorgeous holiday colors with no scary additives. We’ll use nature’s own vibrant ingredients for a much better-for-you alternative. The green from spirulina and red from beet juice are perfect for baking festive cookies. I think you’ll agree, when it comes to cookie nutrition, this spritz recipe is pretty awesome! Here’s what you’ll get in one cookie: 75 calories 2.06 grams protein 2.26 grams fat 12.69 grams carbohydrates 1.7 grams fiber 4.3 grams sugar 0.667 milligrams manganese (37 percent DV) 0.128 milligrams vitamin B2 (12 percent DV) 0.104 milligrams copper (12 percent DV) 6.7 micrograms selenium (12 percent DV) 0.098 milligrams vitamin B1 (9 percent DV) 0.647 milligrams vitamin B3 (5 percent DV) 0.053 milligrams vitamin B6 (4 percent DV) How to Make Spritz Cookies Spritz cookies might look complicated, but they’re actually fairly straightforward. You do need a cookie press to make these. Most cookie presses are manual and feature a cylinder with a plunger on one end, and a disc on the other, which gives the cookies the different shapes and a professional look. Your cookies will look like they came straight from the bakery! If you’re still getting the hang of your cookie press, you might want to do a few practice runs so your cookies look as good as possible before serving to company — you likely won’t have trouble getting help eating the “duds.” Once you’ve got the cookie press nailed down, these spritz cookies are smooth sailing. Start by preheating the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. In a medium-sized bowl, combine 1 cup Paleo flour, ½ teaspoon baking powder, ¼ cup maple syrup, 1 tablespoon coconut oil, 1 teaspoon vanilla, 2 teaspoons almond extract, 2 tablespoons flaxseed meal, ½ cup water and beet juice. Mix the ingredients together using either a hand-held mixer or manually. Once the dough is mixed up, choose your cookie shape for the cookie press. Spoon the mixture into the cookie press. Use the cookie press to spritz the cookies onto a lined baking sheet. In a separate bowl, mix 1 cup flour, ½ teaspoon baking powder, ¼ cup maple syrup, 1 tablespoon coconut oil, 1 teaspoon vanilla, 2 teaspoons almond extract, 2 tablespoons flaxseed meal, remaining water and spirulina. Repeat steps 3–5 with the green dough. Bake the cookies for 8–10 minutes. And you’re done! How easy was that?

]]>https://draxe.com/recipe/spritz-cookies/feed/6Roasted Fennel Bulb Recipe With Pecorino Romano and Pistachioshttps://draxe.com/recipe/roasted-fennel-bulb-recipe/
https://draxe.com/recipe/roasted-fennel-bulb-recipe/#commentsSat, 09 Dec 2017 22:21:01 +0000What is a fennel bulb? For starters, fennel is technically an aromatic herb, but it’s bulb-like stem (aka fennel bulb) is commonly used as a vegetable. Thanks to its similar texture, celery is sometimes seen as a fennel bulb substitute, but fennel has a unique flavor all its own. Unlike celery or any other vegetable, fennel... Read more »

]]>What is a fennel bulb? For starters, fennel is technically an aromatic herb, but it’s bulb-like stem (aka fennel bulb) is commonly used as a vegetable. Thanks to its similar texture, celery is sometimes seen as a fennel bulb substitute, but fennel has a unique flavor all its own. Unlike celery or any other vegetable, fennel is known for its anise or licorice-like undertones. (1) If you’re wondering how to prepare fennel bulb, I highly recommend roasting fennel bulbs. It’s super easy, the results are so tasty and there’s such little clean up. This roasted fennel bulb recipe elevates the vegetable’s taste and nutrient factors with ingredients like pistachios, grass-fed butter, sea salt and sheep’s milk cheese. Is your mouth watering yet? What is a Fennel Bulb? What is fennel bulb? It’s the white crunchy base of the aromatic herb known as fennel. It can be eaten raw, and it can also be cooked in various ways, including sautéd, grilled or roasted. Originating in the Mediterranean region, its a beloved ingredient for many Italian cooks. When fennel is raw, its white bulb and bright green fronds both have a mildly sweet licorice flavor. Once cooked, the licorice taste is less prominent, and there is more of a slightly sweet yet earthy flavor. Many people who aren’t big fans of fennel raw actually enjoy it cooked, especially roasted. A roasted fennel bulb has a texture similar to roasted onion. What about the fennel stalks? They are pretty tough and typically not eaten by themselves but can be included in the making of broth or stock. Fennel bulbs pair well with chicken and lamb recipes such as Mediterranean lamb chops. This roasted fennel bulb recipe also makes a great side to fish dishes. Why would you want to consume fennel? Well, aside from its interesting and delicious taste, it also has all kinds of fennel health benefits. Fennel is also made into an essential oil, and there are a variety of fennel essential oil benefits. Fennel bulb can be found in most grocery stores year-round, but its peak season is October through April. Fennel Bulb Nutrition Facts One serving of this roasted fennel bulb recipe contains about: (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10) 284 calories 6.3 grams protein 23.6 grams fat 12.3 grams carbohydrates 4.7 grams fiber 5.6 grams sugar 50.6 grams cholesterol 648 milligrams sodium 75 micrograms vitamin K (94 percent DV) 2,960 IUs vitamin A (59 percent DV) 18 milligrams vitamin C (30 percent DV) 231 milligrams calcium (23 percent DV) 613 milligrams potassium (18 percent DV) 107 milligrams phosphorus (11 percent DV) 0.2 milligrams vitamin B6 (10 percent DV) 39 micrograms folate (9.8 percent DV) 32 milligrams magnesium (8 percent DV) 1.3 milligrams iron (7.2 percent DV) 0.1 milligrams thiamin (6.7 percent DV) 0.1 milligrams riboflavin (5.9 percent DV) 0.9 milligrams niacin (4.5 percent DV) 0.5 milligrams zinc (3.3 percent DV) 0.9 milligrams vitamin E (3 percent DV) It’s pretty awesome how many nutrients you can get in one simple dish, isn’t it? As you can see, you’re getting almost 100 percent of most people’s daily vitamin K requirements with just one serving of this roasted fennel recipe. Fennel is very high in vitamin K, which is key to bone health and proper blood clotting. (11) Fennel is also a great source of immune-boosting vitamin C and energy-boosting iron as well as potassium. As an electrolyte, potassium is essential to heart health and warding off the common problem of high blood pressure. Many people get plenty of sodium in their diet but not enough potassium, and it’s key to have a balance. (12) What about all that vitamin A? That comes from both the fennel and butyric acid-rich grass-fed butter. This recipe also contains pistachios for their tasty crunch as well as their impressive pistachio nutrition, which includes high levels of B vitamins, especially vitamin B6 and thiamin. Last but not least, you won’t want to leave out the Pecorino Romano cheese made from sheep’s milk. It’s high in protein and calcium, a mineral needed by the body to keep the heart, muscles and nerves all working as they should. (13) How to Make Roasted Fennel Bulbs Before we get to how to cook fennel bulb, let me tell you a little bit about how to cut a fennel bulb. Sometimes you can buy fennel bulbs by themselves. In this case, how to slice a fennel bulb is very simple. You simply peel off any wilted outer layers and for this recipe, you would cut down the middle. A lot of times, you’ll purchase fennel whole. This means you’ll have to cut off the stalks attached to the bulb. You can cut them off right where they connect to the fennel bulb. If you want, you can save the fronds for another recipe, and you can toss the stalks into a stock. To make it easier to cut fennel bulbs in half, you can slice off a tiny bit of the bottom of the bulb so it’s more stable standing up. Then you simply cut the bulb in half lengthwise. How to core a fennel bulb also isn’t hard. If you would like to remove the core for this recipe, cut a V-shaped wedge out of the base of the fennel bulb. This will remove the root and core of the bulb. Do you think you’re ready to make one of the tastiest roasted fennel bulb recipes around? In a light-colored saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk continually until butter is a light brown color and exudes a nutty scent, making sure not to let it burn. You’ll know the butter is browned when brown particles begin to form at the bottom of the pan and the butter reduces in size. Remove butter from heat and pour into a separate container to ensure it doesn’t burn. When the butter is mostly cooled, add mint and lemon. Mix thoroughly and set aside. Place the whole fennel on a cutting board. Clean and trim fennel down to just the bulbs. Slice each bulb of fennel down the middle where it is the widest. Once you’re done cutting, you will have six halves. Place fennel bulbs in a baking dish. Coat bulbs with the browned butter. Sprinkle the cheese, salt and pepper evenly over the top of the bulbs. Add the pistachios. Bake for 20 to 30 minutes, spooning butter back onto the bulbs 15 minutes into baking. When the time is done, the upward-facing side of the fennel bulbs will be lightly brown, and the pistachios will be evenly roasted. Serve these roasted fennel bulbs as a side for your favorite dish and enjoy!

]]>https://draxe.com/recipe/roasted-fennel-bulb-recipe/feed/6The Best Lactation Cookies Recipe to Support Milk Supplyhttps://draxe.com/recipe/lactation-cookies/
https://draxe.com/recipe/lactation-cookies/#commentsThu, 07 Dec 2017 18:00:38 +0000Have you ever heard of lactation cookies? Maybe you’ve seen them for sale in the baby food aisle and were curious about how a cookie can possibly improve your milk production. It turns out, many women turn to foods and herbs to help increase their milk supply. Fenugreek and blessed thistle are two of the... Read more »

]]>Have you ever heard of lactation cookies? Maybe you’ve seen them for sale in the baby food aisle and were curious about how a cookie can possibly improve your milk production. It turns out, many women turn to foods and herbs to help increase their milk supply. Fenugreek and blessed thistle are two of the most popular herbs new moms turn to, although more research is needed to determine the effectiveness of using these herbs to promote healthy lactation.

My lactation cookies are made with gluten-free oats, ground (or milled) flaxseed, almond butter, brewer’s yeast, coconut oil and cacao powder — all nutrient-dense ingredients that promote the production of breast milk while strengthening your immune system, helping to fight depression and boosting your energy levels. There is absolutely zero flour in this no-bake recipe, but don’t worry. Your cookies will still come out the perfect amount of crumbly and delicious!

It’s reassuring to know you can turn to healthy lactation recipes like this one when you feel like you’re not producing enough milk for your little one. Not only will these oatmeal lactation cookies, sometimes referred to as lactation bites, help to keep your baby well fed, but they are super easy to prepare, they taste great, they’re filling and they are good for your digestion, too!

Do Lactation Cookies Really Work? What Are They?

You’re probably wondering if lactation cookies really work. Although there’s minimal research on the benefits of foods for breastfeeding women, anecdotal evidence and scientific surveys suggest that consuming foods like oats, flaxseeds, wheat germ and brewer’s yeast can help to boost milk supply. These foods are called “galactagogues,” and they are often used as an alternative therapy for mothers who feel like they aren’t producing enough breast milk. (1)

The foods I use for my no-bake lactation cookies are rich in protein, fiber, healthy fats and important nutrients like B vitamins, manganese and iron. Together, these ingredients can not only promote increased breast milk supply, but they can help lower your cholesterol levels, boost your immune system and increase your energy levels — all issues that can alter your ability to produce enough milk for your child.

Lactation cookies are also full of comforting foods, like oats, almonds and cacao. When a mom is feeling relaxed and comfortable, it promotes let-down and can influence her milk supply. And the ingredients in these cookies may even help to combat the “baby blues” or symptoms of postpartum depression.

Lactation Cookies Nutrition Facts

One lactation cookie made using this recipe contains roughly the following: (2, 3, 4, 5)

Here’s a quick glance at some of the top health benefits associated with the ingredients in this lactation cookies recipe:

Steel cut oats: Steel cut oats have a chewy and nutty flavor, and because they are made by splitting the oat groat into pieces, they are less processed than other forms of oats on the market. Eating steel cut oats can improve your immunity, reduce inflammation, provide trace minerals like manganese and phosphorus, supply the body with plant-based protein and improve your digestion. Oats are a high fiber food, so they can also help you to feel full for a longer period of time, which can support weight loss and reduce cravings. (6)

Almond butter:Almonds nutrition is quite impressive because it contains disease-fighting antioxidants, unsaturated fatty acids, fiber and protein. Almonds and almond butter are also rich in vitamin E, riboflavin, manganese, magnesium and phosphorus. Eating almonds can help you to prevent heart disease, maintain healthy skin, support the health of your brain and control your blood sugar levels. (7)

Flaxseeds: Flaxseeds, which are high in fiber but low in carbohydrates, can help to lower your cholesterol levels, improve your digestion, support weight loss, boost your cognitive health and even potentially fight cancer. They contain powerful antioxidants (like antiviral and antibacterial lignans), omega-3 fatty acids and protein. (8)

Cacao powder: Cacao powder, which comes from ground cacao nibs, are packed with antioxidants like flavonoids, which makes it a powerful superfood. Consuming cacao powder can help you to maintain muscle and nerve function, aid your digestion, keep you satiated and reduce your risk of coronary heart disease. Plus, it boosts your mood by stimulating your brain to release neurotransmitters that trigger your emotions. (9)

How to Make Lactation Cookies

For these lactation cookies, you’ll need a large bowl for mixing your ingredients as well as a lined baking sheet. You don’t have to bake these cookies, so no need to preheat your oven.